Occupancy rate down 51% this Makha Bucha holiday, says TAT
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects tourist numbers during the Makha Bucha holiday weekend to drop by almost half from last year due to Covid-19.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn forecast the number of domestic tourists from February 26-28 would be around 1.09 million, down 44 per cent year on year. He expected tourism revenue of around Bt3.9 billion, down 38 per cent year on year, and an occupancy rate of 16 per cent, down 51 per cent.
"The Covid-19 outbreak, economic slowdown and PM2.5 air pollution are still affecting people’s confidence in travelling," he said.
He said tourism in the Eastern region was under pressure after the February-March festival of the Buddha's footprint in Chanthaburi's Khao Khitchakut National Park was cancelled.
"However, we still believe that Buddhists will participate in events to mark Makha Bucha Day and spend time with their families at tourist attractions near their homes.”
He added that tourism had been lively in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Petchaburi.
"People are also taking trips in Chiang Mai as the temperature is still cool there," he added.