Financial crisis caused drop of tourists in posh Koh Samui

Due to the global financial crisis the number of local and foreign tourists visiting the world-class hideaway Koh Samui in Thailand has dropped.

Based on the data gathered by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) visitors who flocked Koh Samui has dropped to 40-50 percent compared to the same figure in 2008 in the first six months of the year.

Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Senee Phuwasetthavorn explained the drop of tourists could be attributed to the global economic recession, the political turmoil and the swine flu pandemic.

For his part, Phanu Worramith, director of TAT at the Surat Thani office, said the tourism sector was suffering severely due to the aforementioned crisis that hit Thailand.

Despite the negative forecast, Phanu however remain optimistic that the situation will improve in the second half of the year as the world’s economic indicators showed encouraging signs of improvement.

The improve tourism in Koh Samui, TAT has recently joined forces with hoteliers and restaurant operators to launch an “Amazing Grand Sale” campaign offering a package tour to Koh Samui with a room rate reduction by as much as 50 per cent.

TAT also offers a special hotel room rate for Thai tourists to encourage them to visit the resort island instead of travelling abroad.