price increases are actually less stark
if extra spending during the trip is
taken into account, the more
expensive upfront prices have
obviously had a psychological effect
on the price-sensitive travellers.
The slower growth of Chinese tourist
influx has translated into a slower
expansion of 14.7% for Thailand’s
total tourist arrivals in Oct 2013 vs.
23.2% in 9M13. While this latest
growth base should still be deemed
robust, it might sound like a letdown
after the recent lofty standards.