LOW-COST packages launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to woo Filipino travellers back to the country are seeing low take-up rates, but local trade players predict traffic will recover eventually.
TAT’s Explore Thai Wonders packages bundle Bangkok with other popular destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, a consortium of seven travel agencies are selling them to the Philippine market between May 15 and September 30.
An all-in 6D5N package including airfare, accommodation and tours to Phuket and Bangkok costs US$598; to Chiang Mai and Bangkok, US$688; and to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Bangkok, US$798.
Consortium member Rajah Travel Corp’s tour coordinator, Celine Arcadio, said: “Demand will improve and will depend upon the situation in Thailand, which seems to be normalising. No Filipino got hurt or harmed in Thailand.
“Travellers realise now is a good opportunity to visit – very affordable rates, not too crowded, the curfew was lifted so they can already go to the night market.”
Meanwhile Francis Jamias, sales manager at another consortium member Ark Travel Express, expects traffic will bounce back. “Tour packages make Thailand even more affordable and value for money. There is no more negative news from Thailand. The curfew was lifted and things are getting back to normal.”
He also noted that TAT has been supportive in terms of holding dialogues with travel agencies, giving them regular updates on the situation in Thailand.
