International travellers to Asia Pacific are expected to grow 2.7% on average during 2010-12, according to a forecast by Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata).
Pata forecasts tourism to pick up over the next three years.
According to its Chairman Phornsiri Manoharn, the projection is in line with expectations how the global economy is expected to perform generally.
''Overall international arrivals growth to Asia Pacific destinations are predicted to be marginal at just over 1% in 2010, rising to around 4.5% in 2011 and stabilising at around 4% in 2012. These forecasts do not take into account major economic, social or health disasters,'' she said.
On a sub-regional basis, South Asia is forecast to grow fastest at a rate of 4.9% per year until 2012, followed by Southeast Asia (4.8%), Pacific (4%), Northeast Asia (2.2%) and North America (1.7%).
''We have witnessed significant changes in travel trends during the global economic recession. These changes have brought benefits to some and caused difficulties for others, and it is clear that the next three years will prove to be both challenging and increasingly competitive for all our members,'' she reflected.
THAI jubilee
National carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) marks its 50th anniversary this year with the launch of ''IT Sparkling'' project that seeks to tap advances in mobile phone technology.
According to Piyasvasti Amranand, its president, the airline will introduce SMS Query service to provide automatic responses on flight-related information to passengers on mobile phones, such as flight schedules, airfare promotions, mileage accrual, not to mention cargo and mail commercials.
In addition, THAI will introduce speech recognition technology that would allow passengers access to flight information or book flights using their voice, a service to be initially available only in Thai, and the mobile-phone game ''Little Captain'' where passengers can play flight captain to destinations they're flying via their iphones.
THAI will also improve access to its website for bloggers and social network builders in order to disseminate information about the airline and its activities.
TAT anniversary contest
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), too, is marking its golden jubilee this year, celebrating the occasion with an online photo contest themed ''50 Places, 50 Years of Thai Tourism.''
The contest invites people to post photos and views of their travel experiences in Thailand at www.tourismthailand.org/50years no later than July 15. TAT will select the winners in conjunction with the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand and their names will be announced on August 5.
Prizes include a travel package for two to Phuket by Bangkok Airways, three nights stay at Sri Panwa Phuket, a helicopter ride, Sony and other digital cameras, TAT dolls and memory cards.
Samui room glut
Over the next 15 months the resort island of Koh Samui will have 541 new internationally branded rooms despite a decline in room occupancy last year, according to consulting firm C9 Hotelworks.
There are 443 properties offering 16,069 rooms on Koh Samui, including 665 new rooms, added last year, increasing the supply by 4%, said the company. The occupancy rate of luxury rooms dropped 6% in 2009 compared to the previous year while the occupancy rate of budget and economy rooms declined sharply by 25%.
Bill Barnett, C9's managing director, said the challenge was a distinct lack of direct international flights to Koh Samui.
''The resonating lack of international airlift is stalling the island's move to become a mainstream tourism destination. However, 541 internationally branded rooms opening in the next 15 months is poised to have a positive impact and could move the industry up the value chain,'' he added.
Seats add to comfort
AirAsia X has gone for flatbed Premium seats as standard in the business class.
The seats of this low-cost airline are 20-inch wide, feature 60-inch pitch and stretch out 77-inch in full recline. Universal power sockets, adjustable headrest, tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen are the other notable features.
AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani said the choice of new seats was prompted by feedback by passengers who crave comfort over everything else on long-haul flights.
For economy class seats, he said, the airline had moved away from the traditional black leather to a mix of red and grey to brighten cabin ambience. Economy seats have 31-inch pitch, are reclinable and equipped with adjustable headrests.
The upgraded seats are available on all long-haul flights to Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Perth, Taipei, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu, London, Mumbai and New Delhi.
The seat refurbishment now in progress is slated for completion in June.
Weekend walk street
Samut Sakhon, a province neighbouring Bangkok, has unveiled a walking street at Wat Bang Koh Thepsak in Amphawa district as its new weekend attraction.
Launched on April 9 the street featuring some 100 shops and stalls selling local handicraft and traditional Thai dishes including desserts will be opening Friday through Sunday, disclosed Angkana Pumpaka, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Samut Sakhon office.
Also on the cards are puppet shows, classical music, and open-air screening of old films at night.
''Although Samut Sakhon is Thailand's smallest province, it has many popular attractions including the floating market in Amphawa. The walking street should further help boost its appeal,'' she said.
Call 034-752-847/8 or 1672 for details.
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About the author
- Writer: Karnjana Karnjanatawe
- Position: Reporter
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