Domestic tourism is expected to contract by 50 per cent during the low season this year, while arrivals from Europe are also down by at least 20 per cent as many potential tourists are watching the World Cup at home rather than travelling.

According to the Domestic Travel Association (DTA), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) and the Thai Travel Agent Association (TTAA), visitor numbers started falling this month and will continue to decrease through the low season until September.

There are many reasons for the fall, including the recent floods in the North, political unrest, the domestic economic slowdown, and the Fifa World Cup being held in Germany.

DTA president Charoen Wangananon said most tour operators had received fewer bookings from local tourists compared to the low season last year. He said Thais did not want to spend money on travel as they are worried about the uncertain economy.

"My latest information, reported by members, is that advance bookings are decreasing and this trend is expected to continue until September or October," he said.

To boost the domestic tourist industry, the DTA is working with airlines, hotels and shops in many provinces to create special packages at lower prices in a bid to attract domestic tourists.

Charoen said the packages would focus on the low- to middle-end market segment travelling by tour bus rather than plane and staying at three- and four-star hotels. The campaign is expected to be ready in two weeks.

"I expect that the offering will draw 2,000 local travellers," said Charoen.

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