英语介绍“红衫军”运动及泰国旅游业.docx

Thailands Tourism Industry Takes a Beating From Protesters “红衫军”运动使泰国旅游业遭受重创 Thailands economy is taking a battering, especially the vital tourism industry as the latest protests in Bangkok have frightened off visitors to the country. Tensions have escalated as protesters moved to force military units to stand down amid minor grenade explosions in the capital. Thailands tourism industry has taken a hit as thousands of anti-government protesters have taken to the streets over the past few weeks to try to force fresh elections. The so-called Red Shirts, supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have mounted a series of targeted demonstrations, ranging from ritualistic blood curses to head-shaving to noisy parades through the streets of the capital. Although their rally has been somwhat peaceful so far, many remember the Red Shirts protests last year that turned violent. Impact The Association of Thai Travel Agents said international visitor arrivals fell between 20 and 30 percent in March, when the protests began. Tourists coming from such key markets as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea cancelled their plans. Andrew Cornelio, director of sales and marketing at the Dusit Thani Hotel, said the travel advisories from more than 30 countries also contributed to the dip in tourism. For the Dusit Thani we have seen many cancellations, he said. In terms of numbers weve lost quite a lot. Right now we have about I would say 15 to 20 percent down from what we expected to be. Its cost our first quarter figures to be below what we have budgeted for. The tourism industry had been forecasting tourist arrivals of over 15 million for 2010. But analysts say the target is now not expected to be met. Tourism accounts for about six percent of Thailands economy. Arporn Chewrekrengkai, chief economist with the Government Pension Fund, has revised her optimistic outlook for tourism this year. This political uncertainty will definitely have a very adverse imp