Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2011-01-27)

INDONESIAN interest in travel to Thailand has been on the upswing, following aggressive campaigning by the Thai government after political instability in its capital last year.

Genta Tours Jakarta managing director Dharmawan Raharja said: “The appeal of the destination has increased for the (Indonesian) incentive market. We have got a number of groups going there.”

OMT Holidays and Tours Thailand managing director Dave Chang is thinking of tapping this particular sector. “We see many Indonesian incentive groups to Phuket nowadays, especially on AirAsia flights.”

Genta’s Raharja said cheaper prices in Thailand, compared to Singapore and Hong Kong, were a major factor pushing the trend.

Garuda Indonesia general manager for Thailand, Myanmar, Laos & Cambodia Bambang Sunan agreed, saying the aggressive pricing of hotels in Thailand had drawn the Indonesia market.

Sunan said Garuda’s load factor to Thailand in the last quarter of 2010 had increased to an average of 86 per cent. About 60 per cent of these travellers were Indonesian.

“The load factor so far continues to be in the high 80s,” he said. “If the Red Shirts are not in action again, then I am confident the market will continue to grow.”