Travel Advisories Penalize Phuket

The rash of foreign travel advisories issued by an overwhelming number of countries during the Bangkok political crises look to have a negative impact on tourism to Phuket. A majority of these issue blanket travel to Thailand and though many pinpoint Bangkok the negative impact is being felt already. At the height of the protests the Japanese government even warned its citizens against wearing red or yellow clothing items, in order not to be confused with locals.
As we move into what normally is a period when hotels look to generate MICE (meeting, incentive, conferences and exhibition) business, travel advisories play a strong role in cancellation of events. As we ebb into low season the market challenge looks to be how to get separation between the actual events in Bangkok and the perceived safety concerns of those who look to visit the island.
While the driving distance remains between the two remains in the region of 689 kilometers, for those sitting in front of their TV's or viewing the travel advisories issued by their government there is little distinction between respective destinations.