The Association of Thai Travel Agents’ member companies handled 906,558 travellers, January to February, at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports representing a decline of 10.14% when compared with 1,008,879 visits during the same period last year.

ATTA released its data, Monday, based on fees member agencies pay to the two airports to provide meet-and-greet services for international clients, but limited to travel through Bangkok.

The association president, Charoen Wangananont, said the slow down was due to an above average and extraordinary growth registered during the first two months of 2016.

In January this year, ATTA members suffered a loss of 11.53% from 433,996 to 490,544 visits. During February trips stood at 472,562 down 8.83%.

“China, Russia, South Korea and Japan should continue to be key markets supporting the tourism industry this year,” he said.

The president told members to spread their business across many markets in Asia, ASEAN, Russia and CIS. Relying on a single market was a risky strategy, he said.

January to February

Although recording a decline of 23.62%, mainly due to the loss of zero-dollar tours, trips from China stood at 473,091 visits for the first two months of the year compared to 619,379 visits year-on-year.

Russia ranked in second place with 70,890 visits increasing 17.53% from 60,316 visits.

The next top five markets were: South Korea (47,253; +37.33%); India (35,103; +36.04%); and Japan (32,556; +5.38%).

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