
According to industry experts, Thailand's tourism industry is anticipated to experience a 35% drop in annual revenues due to the combined effects of the prolonged political instability and the global economic situation.
The influenza A (H1N1) flu epidemic has not helped the situation, although its effects are expected to remain muted as Asia is well prepared to handle such a potential health crisis in the wake of the SARS crisis in 2003.
The Thai government has made tourism its top priority as it accounts for 5% of its GDP and employs up to 7% of the total workforce.
Initiatives like reduced visa fees and flight landing charges have been implemented to attract visitor arrivals, which are projected to hover around 11 million visitors in 2009, three million less than 2008.
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