Tourism in SE Asia - 2008 was a mixed year for tourism in much of SE Asia

Two Thousand and Eight (2008) was a mixed year for tourism in much of SE Asia.

Arrival numbers for Thailand in December 2008 were approximately 500,000 — a third of forecasts. Further, the Tourism Authority’s goal of attracting 15.5 million tourists in 2008 and 16 million in 2009 seems total farcical now. Generally in December, Bangkok hotels have been looking at occupancy ratings in the 70 percent range. This year rates are more likely in the 25-30 percent range and as a result hotels have been closing floors, laying off contract staff and in other ways trying to limit costs. 2007 tourism figures for Thailand were 14.8 million and generated Bt 531 billion in revenue. Because of the closure of the airport and political turmoil 2008 tourism figures for Thailand are believed to have been about a million under target which should make the figure just above 14 million. The Tourism Authority of Thailand projects that in 2009 international visitors will exceed 15 million but this well maybe a hard goal to reach in light of the world financial crisis.

Cambodia also had a disappointing 2008 in terms of tourism. In the first half of the year, arrivals were up by 13 percent and the government projected double digit growth for the year. Unfortunately, 31 percent of tourists in Cambodia come through Thailand and the closing of Thailand’s two airports in December smashed Cambodian plans. According to AFP News agency, final tourism numbers in Thailand ended the year only up 8 percent. According to Radio Australia News and the VOA, just over 2.1 million tourists visited Cambodia in 2008.

Vietnam was affected by the Thai airport closing but ended the year in a better position than their Cambodian colleagues. The Vietnam General Statistics Office (GSO) reported on December 31st that the number of foreign tourists to Vietnam in 2008 reached an estimated 4.3 million, an increase of only 0.6 percent against last year.   Of this figure, the number of foreign visitors for travel purposes was 2.6 million, up 1 percent; the number for business purposes was 844,800, up 25.4 percent; the number visiting relatives was 509,600, down 15.2 percent; and the number for other purposes was 267,400, down 23.3 percent.   Vietnam has set a target of 4.8-5 million international visitors and 21.5 million domestic visitors in 2009.

In the region, Singapore also had a disappointing year. Singapore welcomed 10.1 million visitors in 2008, a decline of 2% on 2007.

In Malaysia, arrivals in 2008 were 22.05 million, just short of the target figure. Expectations for 2009 are for 20 million visitors.

Indonesia was one of the few bright spots. The country recorded 6.43 million visitors in 2008 which was a 16 percent increase on 2007.

Laos final tourism numbers for 2008 weren’t available at publishing of this article but in the 11 months through November 2008 were down primarily on affects of political turmoil in Thailand as Thailand is the main source of tourists to Laos.