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First Half Tourism Figures Japans vs. Phuket

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Posted: 31 Jul 2009 | 6:50 am

If you thought Phuket's tourism figures for the first half of 2009 (January to June 2009) were dismal then take Japan as a comparative to the broader market. Phuket's H1 figures were down 14% while Japan registered a 29% drop with 3.1 million visitors. According to figures released by the Japan National Tourism Organization the appreciation of the Japanese yen, which makes travel in the country more expensive for overseas travelers, a continued economic crises and threats of the H1N1 crises have been cited.

As currency continues to play a key role in tourism, its interesting now to note recent strengthening of the Korean, Indonesian and Australia currencies which may see impacts in these markets going forward.

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Maybe all the Thai Govt. really then needs to do to restart exports and tourism, and make the destination look a success again as a result, is to devalue the Baht? Did I hear a Universal Gasp from all those local sellers out there? With signs we are among the best at shooting ourselves in the foot, should it not be considered in the short term? I bet we won't hear that one around for a while however as in the meantime the industry drops their pants on price again at the behest of the tour wholesalers once again and waits another 5-7 years to climb back as last time to like net income performance.

Kevin Murphy, 31 Jul 2009 | 9:13 pm

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