Thailand could see a slump in tourism numbers this year, down by about 200,000 visitors following last week’s bomb blasts.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the state Tourism Authority of Thailand said tourism revenues may drop $293 million.
"By the year end, there could be about 100,000 to 200,000 travel cancellations," he said in a statement, adding that most cancelled visits are likely to come from other Asian countries.
Thailand had targeted a record 32 million visitors this year, bringing in an estimated $70 billion.
The tourism industry brings in about 10% of Thailand’s gross domestic product.
No group has claimed responsibility for the wave of bomb attacks which killed four and injured dozens in tourist resorts the country.
The country has recovered remarkably well in the past after years of political turmoil, but Narongchai Wongthanavimok, chief financial officer at Thai Airways agreed last week’s attacks will likely impact its business and consumer confidence in the short term.
