Tourist numbers expected to slump 30 %
The number of foreign visitors is expected to drop by 30-40 per cent this month, including the Christmas and New Year's Eve period, as tourists are worried about bomb-threat reports, according to Thai Hotels Association (THA).
The association reported that average occupancy rate at four- and five-star hotels in Bangkok this month had still not improved from last month and was as low as 30 per cent, down from more than 80 per cent in November last year.
The inundation was the key factor in driving tourists away, who moved to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.
Prakit Chinamourphong, president of THA, said a lot of tourists lack confidence to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, because of bomb threats.
"News on bomb threats in Bangkok is spreading widely in Hong Kong right now. This has made a lot of tourists decide not to come to Thailand so it would have much impact on tourism and the hotel business here this peak season," said Prakit.
Last month, Thailand received 1.2 million visitors, lower than the 1.6 million to 1.7 million in same month last year.
Prakit said the number should rise this month.
In the domestic market, he said less local people would celebrate Christmas and New Year while most would not do so as they would have to set aside budgets for home and property renovation following the floods.
"I think domestic tourism is likely to drop 30 per cent in December. People are not in the mood to celebrate," said Prakit.
Prakit added that many hotels in Bangkok are not focused on selling compulsory packages as in the past due to lower consumer purchasing power and the recent flooding.
However, many hotels are still promoting their packages for the Christmas and New Year season.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is offering Christmas Eve celebration on December 24 at its NEXT2 Caf? at Bt4,500 net per person. At Angelini, guests can enjoy a four-course traditional Italian Christmas menu created by Chef Marco Riva plus a visit by Santa. The Christmas Eve dinner is priced at Bt3,800 net per person.
Le Meriden Bangkok is promoting New Year’s Eve dinner buffet at Bt 1,000 per person. Children under three years can dine for free and children until 12 get a 50-per-cent discount.
The hotel is also promoting New Year’s day brunch priced at Bt1,000 per person.
Children comply with the same conditions.
Pullman King Power is offering Christmas-Eve dinner at Bt 1,700 net per person while Christmas brunch the following day is priced at Bt 1,500 net per person and Christmas dinner that day is at Bt 1,700 per person.
