‘Thailand Together’ government supported travel campaign interview with Marisa Sukosol VP of Sukosol Hotels

‘Thailand Together’ government supported travel campaign interview with Marisa Sukosol VP of Sukosol Hotels

by Expat Life 

Marisa Sukosol VP of Sukosol Hotels and newly elected President of the Thailand Hotels Association was asked by a Bangkok Post reporter what her thoughts were about the ‘Thailand Together’ government supported travel campaign. 

Although close to 5 million people have registered, only 600,000 hotel rooms have been booked.

She replied “that the project would have more bookings if it allowed expats to utilise the privilege as well. There are up to 500,000 expat residents in Thailand. More bookings will benefit the hotels naturally. Instead of travelling abroad or to neighbouring destinations, Thailand has a host of second-tier destinations that can offer a variety of unique experiences”. There are also certain conditions in the Thailand Together campaign that can be changed such as 3-days advance booking rules. Domestic and even short-haul travellers book at the very last-minute. 

(It had been reported recently in the Bangkok Post that expats spend significantly more per head than Thai travellers whilst on holiday in Thailand).

“As you are aware, most hotels have “Thai Resident Packages” and rates that are available to not just for Thais but all residents. There are great deals in the market now, as hotels need income. Most have closed since March and only 40-50% have reopened, running at less than 10% occupancy”.

She continued “May I offer some thoughts on the hotel sector at this time. The hotel industry cannot persist much longer without opening our borders to travellers. Less than 50% of all hotels have reopened, most are running at single digit occupancies. Some are considering re-closing because of low demand.

Full story: https://expatlifeinthailand.com/travel-and-leisure/thailand-together-government-supported-travel-campaign-interview-with-marisa-sukosol-vp-of-sukosol-hotels/