Middle East Conflict Threatens Thailand Tourism Recovery
Skift Take
Companies like Centara Hotels & Resorts are reporting forward bookings, particularly from Europe, as showing signs of hesitation with travelers either postponing trips or seeking closer-to-home alternatives. Plus, hotel development news.
The Secretary at Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has warned that a prolonged downturn in visitor numbers, coming from the impact of the Middle East conflict, could result in an impact of around 150 billion baht or US$4.6 billion. Should the conflict persist for six months, Thailand could see as many as three million fewer international arrivals in 2026, bringing the sector back towards post-pandemic recovery levels. Companies like Centara Hotels & Resorts are reporting forward bookings, particularly from Europe, as showing signs of hesitation with travelers either postponing trips or seeking closer-to-home alternatives. Hotels that had pivoted to focusing on Middle East travelers are seeing an even bigger disruption.
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