HOTELIERS and other tourism stakeholders in Thailand are more and more wearing worried looks. Room occupancies are falling, not only because it is the low season but because of booking cancellations and the travel advisories issued by at least 12 countries on Thailand due to the current political imbroglio, which has been marred by violent incidents, airport shutdowns and rail-service stoppages. These disturbances happened at a time when the travel industry is experiencing a downturn at a global scale owing to high travel costs arising from spikes in fuel prices.

IRONICALLY the economy hotels are not doing so well as the luxury-class. Why so? It’s the rich who are traveling now as they are less affected by the impact of the economic meltdown and rising prices of energy and food.

MANY travelers are waiting for off-peak times to take advantage of discounts in the face of increasing air and land fares. Many tourists also opt for travel packages, which can provide significant savings as they combine airfare and hotel stay in one package. In some cases extras such as transportation from the airport or some meals are included, too.

THE prevailing record-high fuel costs will dampen air travel this and, perhaps, next year, if the situation goes unabated. While many cost-cutting travelers will be discouraged to fly or will forgo flying while the worse gets going, several major carriers, including United Airlines and Qantas Airways, have announced plans to cut back on routes, ground aircraft and reduce jobs.