Calm before a storm?
March 12, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
The streets of Bangkok and highways from the suburbs are quiet this morning, but the city is bracing for a storm as red shirt protestors gather for what they call a show down with the government.
The government confirmed, yesterday evening, that as many as 50,000 troops have been deployed in the capital in a peace keeping role.
There are nine Royal Navy gun boats guarding the Thon Buri side of the river, opposite Thammasat University.
Travel to Thailand cancelled for a week
March 12, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Hong Kong package tours to Bangkok have been cancelled for one week, while the Singapore government has announced that all citizens travelling to Thailand must register their travel plans online before they leave the country.
The Hong Kong travel red alert follows the Thai government’s announcement that it has placed the city and nearby provinces under the Internal Security Act in an attempt to curtail violence during red shirt rallies over the weekend.
Hotelier: Stay away this weekend
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
A leading hotelier and former president of Bangkok’s Skal Club, Andrew Wood, describes cancellations and outlines a disturbing escalation that suggests Thailand’s tourism is about to face its biggest challenge.
He issued a situation assessment and update to Skal Club members in Thailand, earlier this afternoon.
He suggests that if visitors are not travelling on essential business to Bangkok they should not travel to the city this weekend.
TG shutters ticketing offices
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Thai Airways International announced, today, that its Larn Luang ticketing office and THAI Silom ticketing office will be temporarily closed Saturday 13 March and Sunday 14 March.
For information or assistance, contact THAI Vibhavadi-Rangsit ticketing office on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, which will be open Saturday 13 March from 0800 to 1700 and Sunday 14 March from 0800 to 1300.
Inquiries can also be made through the THAI Contact Centre Tel 02 356 1111 or visit website www.thaiairways.com
Tourism makes global recovery
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Global tourism is poised to make a strong recovery but there are serious challenges too related to global economic order and ecological balance that will impact on tourism, according to UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai who is attending the ITB this week.
ITB 2010 follows a year of decline when international tourist arrivals fell by 4%, while earnings fell by approximately 6%.
UK updates advisory on Thailand
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
The UK government issued a travel advisory update, 10 March, warning British nationals to exercise great caution throughout the country and avoid political demonstrations.
The advisory reads:
“The political situation in Thailand is volatile. British nationals should exercise great caution throughout the country and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which may turn violent. Anti-government protesters have announced plans to hold large demonstrations throughout Thailand over the course of this week. Protesters say that they will gather at several Read more
Around the halls of ITB
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Turkey is the highlighted destination at this year’s ITB an interesting development as the national airline, Turkish Airlines, has identified Bangkok as its preferred hub in Asia and is about to enter code-share agreements with Thai Airways International.
The airline is focusing on Istanbul as its gateway hub to Europe and the city is demonstrating at the ITB exhibition grounds why it is the current European capital of culture.
Upturn in business travel this year
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
A survey of members of the Association of German Travel Management (VDR) reveals a mood of cautious optimism in the business travel sector.
ITB opens on a robust note
March 10, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
ITB Berlin opened this morning, 10 March, with exhibitors representing 11,127 companies from 187 countries showcasing travel products and the latest trends in technology. This year’s attendance is up marginally from 11,098 last year.
“At a time of reduced marketing budgets, ITB Berlin enjoys a clear competitive edge,” said Messe Berlin’s chief operating officer, Christian Göke. “We are proud to announce that exhibitors increased again. Moreover, with new sections and new exhibitors, ITB Berlin confirms its role as a trendsetter and an opinion leader.”
It’s free but not really
March 10, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Creative Advances Technology, based in Kuala Lumpur, claims its Standard Online Tourism Architecture on display, at ITB Berlin, can simplify online business and quickly maximise earning opportunities particularly for independent travel agencies. It might be an offer too good to be true.
The company in a press release issued at ITB, yesterday, showcases the latest version of its software package SOTA XD (eXecutive Desktop) claiming it is offered free to travel agents. However, it is not really free. Agents pay US$100 to enrol and a US$1 referral fee to CAT on successful business transactions.
