A second look is also what NTOs should give to domestic travellers…Countries with a strong domestic tourism are generally better equipped to withstand fluctuations in the international demand.
During the recent Lunar New Year break, my family and I visited Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island near the Cambodian borders in the Gulf of Thailand. I was initially disappointed to see the many 7-Eleven stores which have popped up since my first visit close to a decade ago, as well as the visibly greater number of tourists to the island. The visitor profile is no longer restricted to locals or in-the-know Western families; joining the fray are Asian tourists, in particular Chinese FITs, a clear reflection of how the tourism fortunes of Thailand – like so many places elsewhere in the world – have so swiftly changed in a matter of years.
But disappointment soon gave away to delight when I discovered that White Sand Beach – where we were staying – was the location for the Sea Sand Song @ Koh Chang tourism fair, a collaborative project between the Office of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Trat Office. When dusk fell, beachgoers came out in droves to check out the beachside stalls offering grilled seafood, cocktails and snacks, while a female singer belted soothing jazz tunes from a mini stage. I soon found myself swaying to the rhythms of the music and lull of the waves – even my nine-month-old was contented to sit on the picnic mat without fussing.
At that moment, I see a beautiful Koh Chang that has attracted visitors from far and near: long strips of sandy white beach, crystalline water, lush greenery, tumbling waterfalls, picturesque views and a smorgasbord of places and activities. This was one of the most memorable seaside vacations I had in a while, and I’m glad I gave Koh Chang a second look.
A second look is also what NTOs should give to domestic travellers. While Thailand can fete its record 29.9 million international arrivals in 2015, the kingdom will be ill-advised to neglect the domestic market – the backbone of any tourist industry. Countries with a strong domestic tourism sector are generally better equipped to withstand fluctuations in the international demand. The recent rouble trouble had caused Russian numbers to tumble, who knows if a global recession would cause the latest wave of Chinese travellers to break too?
Even Singapore, with a small population base, is seeing the significance of its domestic market. Singaporeans are increasingly seeking out staycations, presenting opportunities for local hotels to make up for the shortfall of foreign visitors amid a challenging economic climate.
We should all play tourist every now and then in our country, as that will allow us to be reacquainted with our home and see it in new light. Visiting a foreign country and learning about its culture is one of the joys of travelling, but our own country can be a worthy place for exploration and appreciation too. Let’s not be dismissive of the beauty of our own country, just because it is our own country.
