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Thailand confronts the unexpected: A tourism slump
Thailand confronts the unexpected: A tourism slump

Washington Post

time4 days ago

  • Washington Post

Thailand confronts the unexpected: A tourism slump

In major cities in southern Europe, protesters have railed against overtourism. In Thailand, the complaint is the opposite; visitor numbers are declining, and the government is starting to panic. This year so far has seen a noticeable decline, from 17.5 million tourists in the first half of 2024 to 16.6 million this year, about a 5 percent drop. The sharpest decline came in May, with about 14 percent fewer tourists than in 2024. With tourism accounting for as much as one-fifth of Thailand's gross domestic product, these numbers are ringing alarm bells for the country's economic health. And almost all of this decline can be traced to China, Thailand's biggest source of foreign tourists. In the first five months of this year, tourist arrivals from China fell by about one-third, from 2.9 million in 2024 to 1.9 million. The reasons for this include the economic slowdown in China and rising costs of travel to Thailand, as the currency, the baht, has strengthened. There's also increased competition from Thailand's neighbors, especially Vietnam and Cambodia. These days, even Japan with its weak yen is seen as a bargain for Chinese travelers. But more than any economic factor, safety is what concerns travelers. In January, a struggling Chinese actor named Wang Xing was lured to Thailand on the promise of a movie casting. Instead, he was picked up at a Bangkok airport and whisked over the border into Myanmar, where his head was shaved and he was trafficked into one of the many 'scam centers' operating in Myanmar's lawless border regions. After his girlfriend launched a social media campaign that went viral, Thai security forces freed him in a cross-border rescue operation. Wang's real-life plight eerily echoed the theme of a 2023 Chinese blockbuster movie called 'No More Bets,' which depicts a disillusioned Chinese programmer lured to an unnamed Southeast Asian country that resembles Thailand, where he is similarly kidnapped, taken to a remote jungle compound and forced to work in slave-like conditions. Chinese internet users seem to have suddenly deemed travel to Thailand unsafe. What's left largely unspoken is that the scam centers, located in Cambodia as well as Myanmar, are operated mostly by Chinese criminal syndicates. Thai tourism authorities have launched several promotional campaigns aimed at Chinese, including a social media push called 'Nihao-Sawadee' — 'hello' in Chinese and Thai — using tour operators and online influencers to promote Thailand as safe for travel. The government also rolled out a 'safe travel stamp' to certify that hotels, restaurants and shopping malls are secure for Chinese visitors. Thailand has also made efforts to diversify its tourist market beyond China, with varying degrees of success. Sometimes, Thais are their own worst enemy. Many tourists — not only Chinese — complain about being subjected to various scams in Thailand, including taxis refusing to use meters, giving inflated prices for short trips or taking circuitous routes. Many complain about the dual pricing systems for major attractions such as temples that charge foreigners extraordinarily high prices. Thailand has done a good job of attracting more tourists from India, which is less than four hours away by plane. Thailand has a large ethnic Indian diaspora, thanks to centuries of trade and cultural interactions. But travelers from India and elsewhere in South Asia often report instances of discrimination in Thailand. Likewise, tourists from the Middle East and Africa, as well as Black Americans, tell stories of being denied entry to bars or entertainment venues, where White or East Asian tourists are casually waved inside. Anti-Black prejudice often surfaces. In January, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a longtime power broker and father of the recently suspended prime minister, drew criticism after openly disparaging the looks of African women models. 'African people, who have black skin and flat noses that make it difficult to breathe, are hired for millions of baht to be models,' Thaksin said at a rally. One of Thailand's biggest tourist draws since 2022 has been its legalized recreational marijuana. Cannabis dispensaries are now about as ubiquitous as massage parlors and handicraft shops in Bangkok, as well as in top tourist destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket beaches. With an estimated 18,000 dispensaries, Thailand is projected this year to see marijuana become a $1.2 billion industry, and a significant amount of this money comes from foreign visitors. Pot remains strictly illegal in most of the rest of Southeast Asia; in some neighboring countries, marijuana possession can be punishable by death. But now the government — still run by Thaksin's political party — is planning to re-criminalize marijuana except for medical uses with a prescription. Another of Thaksin's ambitious ideas, to bring casinos to Thailand, was put on hold after widespread public opposition, the withdrawal of a key partner from the government's ruling coalition and, reportedly, opposition from Chinese President Xi Jinping. For decades, starting in the 1980s, Thailand was the tourism capital of Southeast Asia. It didn't have to work very hard to attract new and returning visitors. Now there's more competition — and once-closed countries such as Vietnam are seen as offering a safer, less commercialized, more authentic traveler experience. Thailand's reputation has taken a hit. It's going to have to up its game. Stop the dual pricing and dial back the casual racism. And no more resting on its laurels as the 'Land of Smiles.'

One in four pubs have closed since 2005, with further 1,000 at risk in next decade
One in four pubs have closed since 2005, with further 1,000 at risk in next decade

Irish Times

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Irish Times

One in four pubs have closed since 2005, with further 1,000 at risk in next decade

More than 2,000 pubs have closed since 2005, with 1,000 further establishments expected to close over the next decade as part of a 'pattern of pub closures', a new report has found. A total of 2,119 pubs have shuttered their doors in 20 years, amounting to one in every four Irish pubs, a report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has found. Based on data of the register of alcohol licences compiled by the Revenue Commissioners ,in 2005-2024 the number of publican licenses fell by 24.6 per cent from 8,617 to 6,498. The report was compiled by DCU economist and associate professor, Anthony Foley, who noted the figures show a 'pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years'. READ MORE 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country,' he said. 'In the absence of Government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600-1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.' An average of 112 pubs closed every year across the period, with all Irish counties recording a decrease. Dublin saw the fewest pubs close, losing just 1.7 per cent of its public houses. Meath lost 9.5 per cent of its pubs, with Wicklow losing nearly 11 per cent. Limerick had the biggest drop at 37 per cent, with Offaly at 34 per cent and Cork at 32 per cent. Roscommon lost 32 per cent, Tipperary was down 32 per cent, with Laois, Longford and Westmeath seeing more than 30 per cent of its pubs close. DIGI secretary Donall O'Keeffe noted that the closures were 'due in large part to the high costs imposed by the State' and that 'once closed, such pubs rarely reopen'. Mr O'Keeffe called on the Government to act 'now, before it is too late' and to 'improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10 per cent'.

Water level drop prompts marina closure at popular central Alberta lake
Water level drop prompts marina closure at popular central Alberta lake

CBC

time11-07-2025

  • General
  • CBC

Water level drop prompts marina closure at popular central Alberta lake

Social Sharing Summer looks different this year for Pelican Point, a lakeside community located on Buffalo Lake. Typically bustling during the warmer months, the hamlet is now seeing a shift in activity as low lake levels have disrupted boating plans at the popular central Alberta destination. "I've lived here all my life, I've never seen it this low," said longtime resident Neil Kostenuk. The lake previously had a water stabilizing system to help manage water levels, but it was shut down years ago due to concerns over the invasive Prussian carp. Now, some who live in the area want the pumping to resume to help restore water levels. The sharp drop in water levels forced the closure and dismantling of the community marina for the season. The low water levels mean Pelican Point, which offers a destination for summer tourists, is seeing a big decrease in visitor traffic, as are neighbouring communities like Bashaw. Erin Elder, president of the Pelican Point Community Association, said the community is split on what the best solution is. "Some people feel that those pumps should be turned back on and that we should maintain our lake level," Elder said. "Some people feel like we just really need to, at this time, focus on our access to the lake." Pumping projects About 90 kilometres west, Gull Lake has been grappling with similar water level concerns. Pumping from the Blindman River into Gull Lake was suspended in 2018, due to the risk of introducing Prussian carp into the ecosystem. But plans are now underway to install a filtration system at the lake's pumphouse to prevent invasive species from entering the lake. The province approved the move after the government found overwhelming support for the project in a community survey. Norval Horner, president of the Gull Lake Watershed Society and a professional engineer involved in the research for the filtration system said he's glad the province stepped in. "At this point, the provincial government has taken the lead on it and they're going to pay for the installation of the pressurized filtration and the restarting of stabilization," something he said he's "grateful for." Construction of the filtration system on Gull Lake has begun with the goal of resuming pumping by spring 2026. "I believe their plan is to move to Buffalo Lake and install the system there as well," he said. "They also have a stabilization system, which is also shut down. And so they're hopeful to get the same pressurized filtration installed on their stabilization system." CBC reached out to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas to ask about whether a similar plan could happen at Buffalo Lake, but the province has not yet responded. Ron Metro, director of the Pelican Point Community Association, said the filtration system would work but it's unclear what the timeline is for the project. "We understand that same process could be used for Buffalo Lake, the only problem we have is the red tape we're seeing in order to get it approved," said Ron Metro, the director of Pelican Point Community Association. Elder said she has had encouraging conversations with local MLA Jackie Lovely about the issues. A temporary fix? While a long-term pumping solution remains in the works, some residents are asking for more immediate fixes to be able to use the lake, starting with a new or extended boat launch. "Either we pump the lake, or we gain access somehow through a boat launch," Metro said. Kostenuk said community members have been in talks with government officials to install a temporary launch and it's looking "real promising." Elder said another option could be increasing lake access through new launch points. Camrose County had a special council meeting on Thursday to discuss whether a temporary boat launch should be constructed. Administration told council that the county should not pursue the launch, due to potential damage of the shoreline and the levels being low enough to cause concern for boaters. But following concerns shared by community members, councillors passed a motion to further investigate the option. In the meantime, the beach area will be fenced off to restrict unauthorized vehicle access, and additional signs and fencing are expected to be installed next week. A climate-driven problem According to experts, Buffalo Lake's issues are part of a wider trend playing out across Alberta. David Barrett, a research associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at University of Calgary, said climate change is significantly affecting lake water levels — particularly through rising temperatures that increase evaporation rates. "This is a pattern that we've seen over the last five to 10 years. We've seen again a draw-down or a lowering of that of that water level pretty broadly across the province." Lower water levels also come with additional risks, including warmer temperatures, reduced oxygen, and the potential for harmful algal blooms. Back at Pelican Point, the community is hoping to find some solution, whether it be a temporary boat launch or a return to pumping.

Months-long closure of Portapique bridge frustrating locals and tourism operators
Months-long closure of Portapique bridge frustrating locals and tourism operators

CBC

time09-07-2025

  • CBC

Months-long closure of Portapique bridge frustrating locals and tourism operators

The months-long closure of a well-travelled bridge — and a detour that means 10 minutes driving over a dirt road — is causing concern among residents and tourism operators in Nova Scotia's Colchester County. The Lower Portapique bridge has been closed since April, after public works staff found damage to the vertical poles that support the river bridge, known as piles, during an inspection. The detour skirts the scenic route along Highway 2 and takes locals and tourists alike down a gravel stretch. Portapique resident Ashley Fletcher said the closure came as a surprise to many in the community and communication has remained an issue. There is no firm timeline for the bridge's reopening. "Updates have been really minimal to non-existent, and I find that creates fear and confusion and worst-case-scenario thinking," said Fletcher. "Having this process be a little bit more transparent would be really helpful — like a timeline, educational information about what's actually wrong with the bridge so people could understand." Adding to the concern is how the bridge closure has affected tourism and business operators in the area, said Laura Schwarz, manager of the Bass River Heritage Museum. The museum off Highway 2 had expected a banner year for tourism as fewer Canadians travel south to the United States, but it has instead seen a 43 per cent decline in visitors year over year. Schwarz said area businesses are reporting a similar slowdown because of the bridge closure and detour. "We ourselves were gearing up for a boom in tourism this year at the museum … but yet here we are facing the lowest numbers we've seen, frankly since COVID," she said. Schwarz said the society that operates the Bass River museum decided to not hire two summer students in anticipation of a slower season. Design work complete Gary Andrea, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, said design work to repair the damaged piles on the Portapique bridge is complete. He said a tender for the work has not been issued. "Once a contractor is retained over the coming weeks, the remaining work required to repair the bridge and reopen Trunk 2 in this location will take place during the summer construction season," Andrea said July 3. Andrea said staff determined the "short detour" and "relatively high-traffic volumes" were not suitable for a temporary bridge — something residents have asked about. MLA hopes for July reopening Colchester North MLA Tom Taggart had hoped the work would be complete by Canada Day, when traffic grows heavier with tourists. In an interview, Taggart said he would be "upset" if the work is not complete this month. "Getting the equipment here is the biggest challenge. And the tender process is a long, long drawn-out process for a lot of reasons," he said, adding the province could select a qualified contractor through a non-competitive alternative procurement process. "I believe I've made the case to please look at that," he said. Public Works has graded the detour, and added products that have reduced the amount of dust and loose gravel. Still, many have damaged windshields, are worried about the additional wear on their vehicles, and are concerned about the impact on emergency response times, according to Fletcher. "There's lots of concern people have," she said. 'Save that stop for next year' At the Bass River museum, Schwarz is hopeful the public will turn out for an open house later this month and support local businesses while they're in the area. So far, however, indications are that visitors would prefer to keep to the main roads. "Other museums are telling me that people are hesitant to come out to the Bass River Heritage Museum due to the detour and how rough it is," Schwarz said.

Petra tourist numbers plunge by 75 percent due to Iran-Israel war
Petra tourist numbers plunge by 75 percent due to Iran-Israel war

Arab News

time07-07-2025

  • Business
  • Arab News

Petra tourist numbers plunge by 75 percent due to Iran-Israel war

LONDON: The number of foreign visitors to the ancient city of Petra in southern Jordan fell by more than 75 percent in June compared with previous years due to the outbreak of fighting between Iran and Israel, and the conflict in Gaza. The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority recorded 16,207 foreign visitors in June compared with 68,349 during the same month in 2023 and 53,888 in June 2019. The authority said on Monday that the number of foreign visitors in the first half of 2025 has fallen sharply. It recorded 259,798 visitors, including 175,510 foreign tourists, compared with 692,595 visitors, including 606,000 foreigners, in the first half of 2023. Fares Braizat, head of the Board of Commissioners of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, said that the Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, which began in October 2023, along with hostilities between Iran and Israel in June, has significantly contributed to the sharp decline in foreign tourism to Petra. Middle East airspace was empty of any flight traffic at times during the 12 days of war in June, as Israel launched airstrikes inside Iran, and Tehran fired missiles and combat drones toward Israeli towns. The US also targeted three nuclear sites in Iran. Although there was no travel alert for Jordan by Western countries, similar warnings were issued for Israel, Iran, and later for Qatar as tensions escalated. Braizat said that the decline in domestic and Arab tourist numbers to Petra has added to the challenges facing tourism businesses since 2023, leading to a decline in revenue. About 85 percent of Jordan's population depends on tourism, directly or indirectly, with entry fees to archaeological sites the authority's primary source of income. He said that the authority has set up plans to support the tourism sector, with hotels in Petra saying that more than 90 percent of bookings have been canceled, leading to closures and staff layoffs. Abdullah Hasanat, president of the Petra Hotel Cooperative Association, said that 28 hotels with a total of 1,975 rooms have been forced to close, representing 56 percent of all hotel rooms in the Petra region.

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