The impact of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on tourism in Thailand

Abstract

The 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami appears to have reduced tourist visits to southern Thailand and particularly to the provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga. In Thailand, a much higher proportion of the tsunami victims were tourists than in other affected nations. Also, the tourism industry, which is a major source of foreign exchange, is very sensitive to the perception of risk created by disasters like this tsunami. Although revenues may remain depressed for some time, it is likely that tourism will rebound in this region because of the attractiveness of the physical amenity and the value it offers for European tourists. Damage to the physical infrastructure did not serve as a substantial impediment to response and recovery. Information and warning systems, together with buildings that afford vertical evacuation, will protect lives and reduce perceived risk. © 2006, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.