Thailand’s outbound trips to Vietnam slipped off the top 10 list although it ranked 10th last December with 17,940 visits. However the market from Thailand to Vietnam is not making headway mainly reporting declines on highs in 2010.

Throughout 2011,Thailand’s outbound market supplied 181,820 visits to Vietnam down 18.41% from 222,839 visits in 2010.

China continues as the top supplier in January with 147,667 visits representing an increase of 93.39% from 76,358 visits during the same month last year followed by South Korea, the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.

Neighbouring Cambodia moved up to seventh place supplying 42,058 visits, an increase of 94.92% over 21,577 visits.

All of the top markets are in the Asia/Pacific region with the exception of the United State and France.

The bulk of arrivals in January (530,000) passed through two main aviation gateways Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

VNAT updated its data on website, late last week, sourced from the government statistics office.

One of them is a wedding ceremony aboard an elephant in Surin province and the other uses a venue at Bua Daeng Like (Red Lotus) in Udon Thani.

TAT officials released details of the two options, Tuesday, ahead of mass wedding ceremonies that will be held at the venues 11 to 14 February.

The business strategy is fuzzy as most of the couples participating in the two mass wedding ceremonies are technically not tourists. They are mainly resident in the provinces.

Unlike the popular underwater weddings in Trang that attracts international participants, officials could not confirm if  any international tourists were taking part in the ceremonies.

An official told TTR Weekly it was a good opportunity to showcase a traditional wedding ceremony and to add an attraction to encourage tourists to spend time in Isan.

The first to kick off is a mass wedding  at Bua Daeng lake in Kumphawapi district, Udon Thani where 40 couples will register their marriages, 11 February, at the TAT Udon Thani before the couples join a tricycle parade through town.

On 12 February the couples will participate in a traditional wedding ceremony at the lake.

“This is the first time we have used Bua Daeng lake,” said Udon Thani deputy governor, Saroj Sangaroon. “Our main purpose is to promote the lake and its surrounding area as a tourist spot,” he added.

In Surin, the mass wedding on an elephant’s back will be attract 55 couples, 13 to 15 February. The actual ceremony will be held 14 February when the couples will register their marriages at the Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village, Tha Tum district in Surin province.

“It is our sixth year organising this kind of mass wedding,” said Surin deputy governor, Yutthana Viriyakitti. “We hope it will help to promote Surin and we believe using elephants for the ceremony is unique to Surin,” he added.

Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village, Tha Tum district in Surin province is well-known for its annual Surin Elephant Round-up that has been hosted annually in November for 50 years.

The village’s elephants were traditionally  used as limousines for the would-be groom to travel to the bride’s home to ask for her hand in marriage.

Surin is around 500 km from Bangkok in the lower Isan area and Udon Thani is around 600 km due north in the upper Isan region, 100 km south of Nong Khai.

Myanmar has been on the list for the last five years despite recent reforms.

It remains “the country offering the least legal protection for foreign companies”, said British risk analysis group Maplecroft, in a warning to investors attracted by the prospect of Western sanctions being lifted.

Other poor performers on the annual ranking of 197 countries included North Korea, Somalia, Cuba, Afghanistan, Syria and Cambodia — but resource-rich Myanmar is singled out for posing “significant operational and strategic risks”.

“With recent political reforms and the likelihood of sanctions being lifted, Myanmar offers huge potential for oil and gas firms,” the report said.

Ongoing uncertainty in the energy-rich Middle East and North Africa “has made Myanmar’s hydrocarbon resources even more attractive globally,” it said, but warned improvements in the legal climate were urgently needed.

“Tangible improvements in the rule of law, including increased judicial independence and greater transparency in the regulatory system, will be required before the long-term potential of the economy can be realised.”

Energy rich South Sudan, Turkmenistan and Libya also pose “extreme” risks for oil and gas companies, according to the study, which focuses exclusively on countries’ respect for the rule of law.

Myanmar’s new nominally-civilian government came to power last year following controversial November 2010 elections and has since surprised observers with a number of positive moves including a major release of political prisoners.

The reforms have caught the attention of foreign investors, eager to do business in the resource-rich nation strategically placed between China and India.

But infrastructure problems, the absence of a law governing foreign investment and the urgent need for banking reform remain key entry barriers.

In a separate report released earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund said that Myanmar has “high growth potential”, estimating real GDP growth in the 2011 to 2012 fiscal year could hit 5.5%.

This could increase to 6.0% in 2012 to 2013, the fund said.

“(Myanmar) could become the next economic frontier in Asia, if it can turn its rich natural resources, young labor force, and proximity to some of the most dynamic economies in the world, into its advantage,” it added.

© 1994-2012 Agence France-Presse

Mozambique’s Ambassador to Thailand, Carlos Agostinho do Rosario, discussed with Mr Chumpol tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Mr do Rosario asked Mr Chumpol for assistance from Thailand to offer guidelines to promote the island nation’s tourism.

During the meeting, Mr Chumpol stated tourist arrivals to Thailand this year will exceed 20 million.

“But one of the government’s strategies is to spur tourist expenditure during their stay in Thailand in order to increase local people’s income,” Mr Chumpol added.

Thailand and Mozambique established diplomatic relations 16 April 1989.

There so few Mozambique citizens visiting Thailand it fails to warrant a mention in statistics collected by Thailand’s Immigration Department. Likewise, Thai travel to Mozambique is too small to be included in Mozambique’s tourism data.

The country’s main attractions are beach resorts that appeal to tourists from South Africa, the UK and Germany.

The island nation introduced a tourism law in 2004 and has a tourism strategic plan running up to the 2013,  published to attract more investment in hotels and infrastructure.

The country is often mentioned by  international media with reference to piracy in the Indian Ocean, but was praised recently by the US government for its support of  international co-operation to deal with the problem.

However, despite warnings triggered off by the US, 13 January, the country’s travel agency association reported trips by American citizens grew by more than 26% in January.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said the ministry met with ambassadors of more than 40 countries, 3 February to brief them on security in the country.

The US issued the initial warning prompting 19 nations to follow with cautions on travelling to Bangkok.

None of the warnings were identified as red alerts that recommend travellers to postpone travel, but they did point to potential threats in Bangkok and the need to be watchful or stay away from crowded places.

Mr Sihasak added: “More stringent security measures have been implemented to restore confidence in the country at all levels. Visitor safety is being taken seriously.”

The nine countries still recommending caution when visiting Bangkok are: the United Kingdom; Australia; Austria; Taiwan, South Korea; Italy; Japan; Romania and Canada.

Ten countries that revoked the alert earlier than the US included China, Israel, Greece, Germany, France, Norway, Brazil, Netherlands and Denmark.

“Japan,  a top  market, is waiting official confirmation from Thailand on the security status before it will revoke its warning,” Mr Sihasak explained.

He urged the remaining countries to review their alerts based on the current situation in Thailand and the Thai government’s handling of the matter.

“We know Australia is preparing to revoke the alert, while the UK has made it clear that it will not change the warning as it is informing citizens of potential threats.”

However,  there are signs that tourism is making a fast recovery, while travel executives said the more damaging factor was last year’s floods in terms of revenue lost to the industry.

Association of Thai Travel Agents, which collects data from its members who handle international tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport, reported there were declines in clients requiring meet-and-greet services at the airport  after 13 January.

ATTA identifies decline in business from 10 countries in January

In contrast, the United States warning alert had no impact on ATTA member business. Travel agents serviced 2,599 trips from the US in first month of the year up 26.47% from 2,055 trips in the same month last year.

China remained strong improving of 69.18% to 66,927 trips compared to 39,560 trips in 2010.

Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, told TTR Weekly that the categories and breakdown for tourist arrivals needed to be improved.

“I don’t want to comment on collection itself because the tourism ministry has a duty to build the country’s image and that is a factor when collecting data,” he said.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn

“Whatever we recommend the result as we know will be the same.”

But he touched on the controversy saying the ministry should be mindful that it has a responsibility to support the industry and to achieve that classification and data interpretation should be clear to strengthen travel agency marketing plans and strategy.

“The private needs the department to divide tourist arrivals into categories to gain a real tourism business figure rather than just counting all the people who pass through the border checkpoints as is the case now.”

There is has been consistent criticism of the ministry’s ability to deliver credible and accurate tourism data and so far ministry officials have declined to comment.

Some of the categories that travel agencies would like to see in the data fields includes FIT, group tours, VFRs, business, investment, meeting and incentive as well as niche market travellers such as weddings where one of the partners is Thai.

Maiyarat Pheerayakoses

Association of Domestic Travel president, Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, said the tourism department’s data is limited in scope and needs to be upgraded.

“The tourism department collects tourist data according to theory, while we need detailed information that can be used to supplement the data supplied by Thai Hotel Association and Association of Thai Travel Agents that run their own accurate research.”

Association leaders admit there is a gap between the tourism department’s figures and the reality in the business market.

“Although tour operators need to use the tourism department’s data to make marketing plans, we still need in-depth data that gives us background on the real tourists not every person who crosses borders,” Ms Maiyarat said.

Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul admitted there is a lot of controversy over tourism data, but the TCT still “respects the tourism department criteria” based on United Nation World Tourism Organisation guidelines.

Piyaman Tejapaibul

“I think tourist arrivals data collected can be trusted because the ministry is using the same company, Excellent Business Management Company Limited, that worked for the Tourism Authority of Thailand before the transfer of responsibilities in 2008.”

TCT president added: “If there are adjustments in the tourism collecting data method it has to comply with Ministry of Interior law.”

The council says it has set up a committee to work with the tourism department to check the accuracy of data as well finds way to build creditability with the private sector.

KRC research said key factors leading to recovery included the cancellation of a Chinese travel advisory as well as efforts to improve security for Chinese visitors.

Visits should increase 10% during the first quarter to reach 530,000 visitors (+11%) and generate Bt16 billion in revenue (+20%).

The bank also recommended that tour operators spend more time monitoring Chinese tourist preferences to improve future marketing and product plans.

Younger Chinese travellers are also visiting Thailand a relatively new trend that should continue.

Other suggestions for tour operators were:

• Create products specifically for Chinese tourists rather than adapting those from other markets;

• Partner with tourism operators in China to exchange information and business plans;

• Study technology and the rules that apply in China as there are government controls on access to social media such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare and Yahoo which could impact on promotions that use these tools.

Identified as MICE 101 it will help prepare students for the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community 2015.

TCEB president, Akapol Sorasuchart, said MICE 101 will introduce students to corporate meetings, incentive activities, international conventions and international exhibitions and trade show management.

Akapol Sorasuchart

“Education is a critical to meet the competitive challenges of a liberalised market in 2015,” he said at the launch of the project earlier this week.

The course breaks down into three areas: Overview of Thailand’s MICE industry; event management; and a wrap up of side issues impacting on the industry.”

The curriculum also covers industry ethnics and governance.

The curriculum will be piloted at four universities for the new academic year 2012. They are: Mahidol University International College; Prince of Songkhla University; Ban Somdej Chaopraya Rajabhat University and Siam University.

It will form part of the first and second year foundation course for undergraduates.

Education plays a pivotal role in TCEB projects this year.

They include:

• A MICE Working Committee to build skills in Thailand’s MICE sector;

• Develop a research report on the implications of AEC on the MICE sector;

• Organise workshops in cooperation with event players in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok and Ubon Ratchathani;

• Focus on professional training.

Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Tourism Promotion Division deputy head, Nguyen Bao Anh, said promotions will focus on South Korea, the United Kingdom, India and Ukraine.

“Tourist arrivals from those four countries remained small, last year, but the growth rate was promising.”

Air links between Ho Chi Minh City and these markets have opened and that has prompted interest in promotions.

“The UK market is expanding since the national airline started a London flight last December,” he said.

Mr Anh added: “A similar route from Ukrainian has now started and services to India will be launched this July, also on Vietnam Airlines in partnership with Jet Airways.”

Trips for journalists and travel agency staff from the four markets will kick off the effort.

In the South Korean market, foreign tour operators will be invited to try river tours from the city and check out investment opportunities particularly joint ventures.

Last year, there were 3.5 million international tourist arrivals increasing 12.9% against 2010.

The city’s revenue from tourism was estimated at VND49 trillion (US$2.33 billion) improving 19.5% year-on-year. Of that revenue, VND29 trillion came from restaurants and hotels, while VND12 trillion derived from travelling services.

The top 10 markets for HCMC were: the United States; Japan; Taiwan; South Korea; Australia; China; Malaysia; Singapore; France and Canada.

In response to constant travel industry criticism that its data lacked credibility, TTR Weekly forwarded questions to a Department of Tourism official who asked not to be identified.

Officially, the department declined to be drawn into a debate on data collection.

The department official confirmed that all of its data is derived from Immigration Bureau statistics collected at over 30 border checkpoints across the country.

The ministry does not collect independent data.

Data collected from the immigration bureau at Suvarnabhumi Airport represents 60% to 70% of all arrivals.

Addressing specific complaints on reliability of data, the official said the process was no different than was employed by all member countriess of the UNWTO.

“We follow the UNWTO procedures and condition based on the criteria that the foreign tourist passing through a border checkpoint is not coming to work in Thailand or is categorised as a resident.”

The source confirmed that the data does not include UN officials, ambassadors, and airline cabin attendants and flight crews.

The Department of Tourism has hired Excellent Business Management Company Limited to process the raw data from the Immigration Bureau. It collates the percentages, market and nationality breakdown.

In an on-going programme, teams hired by the department interview a sampling of 2% of each nationality identified in the tourist arrival data. Interviews are conducted at the Airport of Thailand’s six airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai. Interviews are done at tourist attractions to collect behaviour, length of stay, and spending per head information.

From these interviews , the department arrives at estimate on revenue for tourism in Thailand.

The interview method is also used to estimate Thai outbound trends at those airports and border check points to collect its tourism movement information.

On the domestic front Thai tourists are interviewed at tourist attractions in 77 provinces based on the criteria that the person interviewed comes from another province.

In an on the record interview, the Department of Tourism director general, Supol Sripan, said Bt30 million will be spent ( overall budget Bt2,624 million) to tighten up and build depth into statistical collection.

“The project focuses on collecting tourist expenditure, number of tourist at accommodation facilities and building data on average room prices,”

Mr Supol added: “This data should benefit tour operators to build a tourism marketing plan or promotions.”

It will take three years to get to that point.

In 2008, the Department of Tourism took over the tourist data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

However, criticism of the department’s figures has been constant. On this website, readers have blogged data stories challenging the accuracy of national statistics on tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has so far declined comment.