Thai attractions bounce back after flood closures

Thai attractions Safari World and Dream World are undertaking 'post-flood rehabilitation along with attractive marketing campaigns aimed at persuading visitors to return.
the popular Safari World attraction has allocated 50 million baht (US$1.6 million) to renovate the zoo and amusement park after the recent south-east Asian floods forced it to close for a month.
Most of the money will be used to raise the zoo grounds by up to 1.5 metres to guard it from future flooding. Minor renovation work will be done on its marine park, with new signs, decorations, games and small attractions planned.
Safari World reopened on 1st December but visitor numbers so far are only at 30% of their pre-flood crisis levels.
Adopting a positive outlook, Safari World Executive Vice-President Litti Kewkacha explains that "the renovations will help us celebrate our 25th anniversary next year."
In advance of the anniversary, Safari World plans to increase the frequency of its roadshows to Europe, the Middle East and India.
Safari World predicts revenues of 480-530 million baht this year, missing earlier projections by 100-150 million baht (US$3.2 to 4.8 million).
Meanwhile, Amusement Creation Co, the operator of Dream World in the Pathum Thani area north of Bangkok, will resume operations on 1st January 2012 with several measures aimed at getting back up to speed.
Deputy Managing Director Amphol Suthiphein says that a 30 million baht (US$950,000) renovation of the amusement park's landscaping, parking area and some parts of its office building will be carried out after more than two months of inundation.
Billboard advertising will be used in front of the park and in Bangkok's Din Daeng district while letters will be sent to foreign and local tour agents informing them of Dream World's planned reopening.
Meanwhile the park plans to send roadshows internationally next year to lure back foreign tourists, particularly from China, Russia, India and the Middle East.
Suthiphein explains "we think our efforts will see group tours returning around mid-January."
Dream World's amusement equipment experienced very little damage from the floods, as they were installed on high ground. However, the park will suffer an estimated loss of 150 million baht (US$4.8 million)from its forced closure since 21st October.
Suthiphein says his experience shows that tourist numbers always return to normal in Thailand once a major crisis has ended, adding "we're confident the tourism industry will continue to grow next year and that any effects from the flooding will be short-lived."