The conflict in the Middle East is raising concern in Thailand’s tourism industry, as it could affect travellers heading to Thailand, The Nation Thailand reports.
Many tourists from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland fly to Thailand via hubs in the Gulf with airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.
These airlines normally carry about one-third of all passengers travelling between Europe and Asia. Since the conflict began, more than 37,000 flights in the Middle East region have been cancelled, affecting routes that connect Europe with Asia.
Around 134 flights linked to Thailand have been affected, including 59 routes between Thailand and the Middle East.
Tourism figures already show a decline. Between March 1 and 9, Thailand recorded 741,063 foreign visitors, down 5.69 percent compared with the same period last year.
European arrivals fell by 14.39 percent to 249,597 visitors.
European tourists are one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, bringing about eight million visitors annually, including many travellers from the Nordic countries, where Thailand remains a popular winter destination.
Thai authorities warn that if disruptions to Middle Eastern airspace continue for several weeks, the impact on long-haul tourism could grow significantly. In a worst-case scenario lasting up to eight weeks, Thailand could lose nearly 600,000 tourists.
