Two leisure park operators have kicked off their post-flood rehabilitation along with attractive marketing campaigns aimed at persuading visitors to return.
Litti Kewkacha, an executive vice-president of Safari World Plc, allocated 50 million baht to renovate the 250-rai zoo and leisure park after the floods forced it to close for a month.
Most of the money will be used to raise up 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.
Some small repairs have already been carried out, but the major work is still going on.
Safari World reopened on Dec 1, and visitor numbers are 30 % of pre-crisis levels, mainly foreign tourists.
"The renovations will help us celebrate our 25th anniversary next year," said Mr Litti.
Safari World plans to increase the frequency of its roadshows to Europe, the Middle East and India.
Revenue of 480-530 million baht is expected for the zoo and leisure park this year, missing earlier projections by 100-150 million baht.
Meanwhile, Amusement Creation Co, the operator of Dream World in Pathum Thani's Rangsit area, will resume operations early next month with several measures aimed at getting back up to speed.
Amphol Suthiphein, the deputy managing director, said a 30-million-baht 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. Letters will be sent to foreign and local tour agents informing them of Dream World's planned Jan 1 reopening.
And roadshows will be sent abroad next year to lure back foreign tourists, particularly from China, Russia, India and the Middle East.
"We think our efforts will see group tours returning around mid-January," said Mr Amphol.
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 from its forced closure since Oct 21.
"We're confident the tourism industry will continue to grow next year and that any effects from the flooding will be short-lived," said Mr Amphol.
He said his experience shows that tourist numbers always return to normal in Thailand once a major crisis has ended.
For example, tourism improved more than many people expected in the first half of this year despite the political violence of recent times.
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