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Thai AirAsia calls on government to reduce jet fuel tax to stimulate flagging tourism traffic
July 19th 2024
After enjoying robust growth in 2023, Thai AirAsia said demand is trending lower at the LCC. Read More » As a result, the airline said Thailand’s jet fuel tax should be reduced, the Bangkok Post reports. In an interview with the newspaper Thai AirAsia CEO, Santisuk Klongchaiya, said the usual tourism cycle had resumed in 2024 after its peak in 2023. Average domestic passenger load factor has declined from 90% to 94% year-on- year, it said. Full recovery for airlines, as well as the entire tourism industry, is contingent on the Chinese market, but Thailand is unlikely to achieve its target of eight million Mainland tourists this year, the LCC said. “About six to seven million Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is the most likely scenario. To reach eight million Mainland visitors in 2024, demand must be stimulated because the Chinese government is quite active in promoting its domestic tourism,” Khun Santisuk said. Airlines in Thailand continue to press the government to reduce the country’s jet fuel tax from the current 4.726 baht (US$0.13) per liter rate to lower travel costs for tourists.
DR SHAWN WILLIAMS says:
July 23rd 2024 09:50am