April 14- Despite rioting in issued by the Emirates,
travel to the country from the UAE remains unaffected, said industry
sources on Tuesday. However, a significant decrease in tourists from the
UAE is expected if the ‘red shirt’ protests in Thailand continue
"We have had no cancellations or rescheduling of flights since the
protests started last week in Bangkok," Manu Mehrotra, General Manager
of Al Tayer Travel Agency, said. "However, some are maintaining a
wait-and-watch approach before making future travel plans."
Mehrotra added that while the situation won’t be as bad as the decline
in tourism to Thailand last year, it may still be a possibility. "Should
the rioting continue into the summer when schools shut for holidays, we
could anticipate a 20 and 25 per cent drop in travellers."
Meanwhile, flights between Dubai and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
appear to be operating normally, with Thai Airways confirming that all
flights are on schedule. "Thai Airways is operating all flights and
there is no cause of concern at the Bangkok airport. The rioting is
contained in neighbourhoods far away,” said a spokesperson of the
airline. .
