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Published on February 13, 2008

More locals are now much more careful about spending in the face of economic worries, he said. They are saving more as they feel less secure about job security and future incomes.

"Lately outbound tour prices have come down because of the baht's appreciation against many foreign currencies. A four-day trip to Japan now costs Bt30,000 per person, compared with Bt40,000 last year. Packages to China and other countries have also been brought down," Anake said.

To induce spending at a time when more Thais are opting against splurging on overseas trips, the association is joining with Krung Thai Card and the Association of Domestic Travel to organise the Thai International Travel Fair 2008 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from February 28 to March 2.

Organisers hope to lure local and foreign tourists to inject cash into the travel industry. By buying tour packages, air fares and other products, consumers will also be boosting the economy, they said.

More than 60 operators will be offering holiday packages, accommodation and air fares. The fair will also feature seminars and workshops covering 30 topics. More than 300,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day event.

Organisers hope consumers will bring in Bt100 million for travel vendors.

Meanwhile, Charoen Wangananon of the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations said the body would soon seek a meeting with Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat to find out how the government plans to boost their business.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation