Although tourism has not been affected by the smog in Bangkok, travel industry players believe that unless a long-term solution is put forth, it is only a matter of time before pollution takes its toll.
Supawan Tanomkieatipume, president of Thai Hotels Association (THA), told TTG Asia that there have been enquiries from concerned travellers, but none so far have cancelled their hotel reservations.
She did not think that ongoing air pollution was so serious that it would affect tourism, although the problem is particularly bad for Bangkok as particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less in diameter reaching hazardous levels in recent weeks.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) similarly reported that no cancellations were recorded from tourists with visits planned up until March, including Chinese tourists expected to arrive in Thailand during the Lunar New Year period. The association expects as many as 300,000 visitors who are likely to spend about 10 billion baht.
However, ATTA vice president Mingkwan Metmowlee remarked that unless the government has clear and effective solutions to tackle the hazardous dust particles, there could be impact on foreign tourists’ decision to visit from April onwards. This is particularly the case of travellers who tend to make last-minute bookings to Thailand, such as those in South-east Asia.
Surawat Akarawaramat, managing director of KTK Tour Enterprise, urged the government to elaborate on the true causes of the air pollution and issue clear measures to handle the situation.
According to Surawat, there had been misleading reports of the smog in the news. If the relevant organisations provided facts, the amount of false information circulating would drop, he said.
Both Surawat and THA’s Supawan cautioned about the potential impact that reports on pollution and misinformation could have on tourism.
Supawan added that air pollution is a concern not just for the industry, but for general public health. To address this would be an exercise in social responsibility, requiring effort from not only the government but from all parties.
Along with efforts to tackle the smog problem, Surawat pointed out that tourist destinations in other Thai provinces should also be promoted.
Mingkwan suggested for there to be better air pollution control at construction sites and requirements for minimum number of passengers in each vehicle entering tourist-crowded zones. Such measures would show that the government was not turning a blind eye to air pollution, Mingkwan said.
Princess Cruises says it is introducing the cruise industry’s largest balconies at sea onboard its new ships Sky Princess, launching in October 2019, and Enchanted Princess.
Available for booking now are two Sky Suites accommodation, with balconies measuring 94m2 (starboard side Sky Suite) and 88m2 (port side Sky Suite), which provide a private vantage of Sky Princess‘ Movie Under the Stars screen from their central location on the top decks.
Providing 270-degree panorama views and sleeping capacity for five guests, Sky Suites feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a dining area.
Sky Suite guests will have access to a pre-cruise, shoreside concierge, and once on board will be able to enjoy a private suite experience manager, complimentary access to the Lotus Spa’s Enclave, balcony dining and a telescope for the Discovery Stargazing at Sea programme.
More exclusive Sky Suites services are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Sky Princess debuts in the Mediterranean in October 2019 and Enchanted Princess sets sail in Europe in 2020. They each carry 3,660 guests.