Caroline Tapken reports for TTN on the situation on the ground in recently troubled Thailand
Planned for months, and nearly aborted because of the political unrest, we finally did get to take our EID/Christmas vacation in Thailand.
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport just a few days after it reopened, we could find no evidence of the previous weeks occupation by thousands of political activists; a closure that is estimated to have cost the country anything in the region of $6 billion upwards. Final costs will probably never be known, from lost tourism, resulting unemployment, perishable exports left to rot, cancelled meetings and business put on hold.
The Airports Authority of Thailand claimed it may take up to six months to return to full normal operations.
Pattaya is about one hour’s drive from the airport, and offers a short break option from the Middle East given the close proximity to the international airport, and its value for money. Phuket, better known for its beaches and family fun, is an additional hour’s onward flight. If connecting to other flights, THAI from the Middle East provides easy transfers to internal flights.
Pattaya is a bustling city resort offering from modest bed and breakfasts to five star hotels, one of which is the five star Amari Orchid Resort and Towers at the end of Pattaya Beach.
Duncan Webb, vice president sales and marketing for Amari Hotels & Resorts said, “Following the initial wave of cancellations from all market segments, the real challenge is the lack of new bookings especially for the first quarter of 2009. The speed at which markets recover will vary.”
“Hotels are currently releasing short term initiatives to stimulate sales. Potential visitors to Thailand have of course seen the disruption that the airport closure caused, and on a domestic front they too are struggling with the global economic crisis.”
Amari Hotels & Resorts is more fortunate regarding current occupancy than many hotels as it is strong on the local Thai market for corporate seminars, team building weekends and domestic vacations.
The peak winter season traditionally sees visitors from Singapore, Korea, China and Europe, and these markets have all but dried up. The group is now focusing on India and the Middle East markets.
No formal recovery plan has yet been announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, although a campaign was recently launched to encourage Thai’s to enjoy their own country during the upcoming ‘high’ season at special rates. Some Bangkok city hotels, normally running at 80 per cent and higher at this time of year have seen occupancy drop to a mere 7 per cent. Beach resorts seem to be faring somewhat better at the moment, but the absence of tourists is evident along the normally bustling beach front of Pattaya.