Thailand's anti-government protests have, in recent years, dampened the country's appeal as a tourist destination. Holidaymakers, worried about the threat of disruption and chaos in the capital, Bangkok, are mulling other destinations.
They are looking at alternative destinations such as Taipei, Seoul, Cebu and Boracay, Langkawi and Penang, and Sapporo and Osaka.
'It all depends on the customer's budget and the type of experience they are after.
'Korea and Taiwan are popular for city getaways. Sabah and Langkawi are sought after by those who want a sun and beach holiday,' says Jo Jo Chan, general manager of Wing On Travel Service, one of Hong Kong's largest tour operators.
The latest blow to Thailand's tourism industry came this month as thousands of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's supporters staged rallies in Bangkok, triggering governments around the world, including Britain and the United States, to issue travel warnings alerting people to be cautious and stay vigilant when visiting the country.
In Hong Kong, all package tours to Bangkok were cancelled in mid-March after the government issued a red outbound-travel alert in response to the looming protests.
Travel agents attribute the weaker interest in Thailand to the volatile political situation, aggravated by the recent economic downturn and swine flu.
