Despite unrest between Thailand and Cambodia and a travel advisory from the Swedish Foreign Ministry, Swedes' interest in celebrating Christmas in Thailand is greater than last year. Travel companies like Ving and Tui report increased demand for last-minute trips. Most concerned customers opt to rebook to other parts of the country.
Conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia flared up again in early December, prompting the Swedish Foreign Ministry (UD) to issue a travel advisory for parts of Thailand. Despite this, interest in Christmas celebrations in the country has not waned – on the contrary. According to travel company Tui, bookings for last-minute trips have increased by 20 percent in the past week compared to last year, says Dian Martinez Valencia, communications manager.
Both Tui and Ving have canceled trips to the tourist spot Koh Chang, which is covered by the advisory. Claes Pellvik, communications chief at Ving, notes that they've received a few calls from worried customers, but most have chosen to rebook to another location in Thailand. "The interest in Thailand hasn't cooled. And there I'd say Thailand actually has a special position," says Pellvik.
He compares it to the Gaza war, where demand for trips to that region dropped significantly due to concerns. For Thailand, that doesn't apply – the country retains its appeal among Swedish travelers despite the uncertainty.
