Association of Thai Travel Agents’ member companies handled 1,887,821 travellers, January to April this year, at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports representing a decline of 11.63% from 2,136,197 visits during the same period last year.

ATTA released its data, last week, 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’s president, Vichit Prakobgosol, said the number of tourists travelling on itineraries sold by the association’s member companies, this year, should be around the same as last year.

“China, India and ASEAN especially Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are potential markets that tourism operators should tap to improve prospects.”

He added: “We also should maintain promising market like Europe…East Europe offers new opportunities for tourism operators.”

However, a leading ATTA member with a strong market in Europe said the company  had seen a decline in bookings from Europeans this year as travellers prefer to book direct or through online booking sites.

“The country is gaining more European visitors,  but tour companies are seeing their share of the business decline mainly due to the growth of online bookings.”

Last year, the association handled 5,377,843 travellers at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports representing a 3.04% increase from 5,219,066 in 2015.

January to April performance

Although recording a decline of 22.84%, China led the field with 1,065,782 visits for the first four…

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