Coronavirus hits Thailand hardest in tourism-reliant SE Asia

Hotel and airline stocks sink as China's travel ban kicks in

The Thai government had set an ambitious target of 41.8 million tourist arrivals this year but coronavirus has put paid to those hopes. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)

MASAYUKI YUDA and SHOTARO TANI, Nikkei staff writers

January 27, 2020 21:48 JST

BANGKOK/JAKARTA -- China's ban on outbound tour groups to stem the spread of coronavirus has hit Southeast Asia's tourism industry which relies heavily on Chinese holidaymakers.

Thailand has so far been the worst hit by coronavirus outside of China with eight patients and 39 others quarantined preemptively. With nearly 27% of Thailand's tourists arrivals coming from China, the travel ban has been a shock to the industry.