Southern Thailand’s tourism industry is experiencing a seismic shift as European travellers drive hotel performance to unprecedented heights.

 

A recent report by the Bangkok Post reveals that tourists hailing from Russia, Scandinavia, and Germany are flocking to the region, enticed by its breathtaking natural landscapes, and significantly boosting occupancy rates to a staggering 90% or higher.

 

Pongsakorn Ketprapakorn, former president of Phang Nga Tourism Council, remarked that many hotels, especially in Khao Lak, are cashing in on this trend by commanding room rates ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 baht per night, surpassing the 2019 average of 5,000 baht.

 

Pongsakorn pointed out that despite the influx of Chinese tourists, who accounted for nearly a fifth of all arrivals last year, Phang Nga lacks the appeal for beach-centric and urban-seeking travellers, with the tourism sector contributing a modest 5 to 10% to the province’s economy.

 

Similarly, hotels in Krabi are reaping the benefits of extended stays by European visitors. Charintip Tiyaphorn, owner of Pimalai Resort and Spa in Koh Lanta, Krabi, disclosed that during the Lunar New Year holidays, Chinese tourists found themselves out of luck as 90% of rooms were already snagged by Europeans who had booked up to 180 days in advance.

 

This robust demand allowed Pimalai Resort and Spa to command rates exceeding 900 baht across all accommodation types.

 

However, despite the Thai government’s efforts to court Chinese tourists, flight shortages and the destination profile of Southern Thailand may have hindered potential growth in Chinese arrivals.

 

A spokesperson from the Krabi Tourism Association highlighted a dearth of direct flights from China to Krabi, noting that before Covid-19, the region boasted traffic from five Chinese cities. Freelance travel agent Lek Nawat echoed these sentiments, asserting that Chinese tourists still gravitate towards established hubs like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, where they feel more assured about exploring, reported TTG Asia.

 

“Chinese tourists remain cautious, especially towards lesser-known destinations, which raise concerns about activities, food, health and safety, and digital payment options. The importance of WeChat cannot be underestimated, and there’s a lack of demand for places deemed off the beaten path.”

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo courtesy of TTG Asia

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08

 

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8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

boosting occupancy rates to a staggering 90% or higher.

Time to avoid southern Thailand.....

Misleading headline. European tourists have no ability to change rates up or down, it is the hotels that do this in response to demand.

Been going to Ao Nang frequently over the past 10 years and yes Hotel prices have increased dramatically last month while we were there it was noticeable the amount of folk escaping Putins call to arms was disturbing to say the least

Agoda has 143 hotels under 1200 baht.

This room is 890 baht

Here's a 620 baht room. Looks good to me.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This robust demand allowed Pimalai Resort and Spa to command rates exceeding 900 baht across all accommodation types.

In your dreams, there's zero missing there!

Get the Russians out and we are good again.

4 hours ago, Stocky said:

In your dreams, there's zero missing there!

12,000 baht+ in April.........LOL

7 hours ago, Dolf said:

Agoda has 143 hotels under 1200 baht.

Please tell us what dates are you looking at????

3 minutes ago, petermik said:

Please tell us what dates are you looking at????

Late April. Low season starts May for many hotels. Have you been to Khao Lak? I havent. 

1 minute ago, Dolf said:

Late April. Low season starts May for many hotels. Have you been to Khao Lak? I havent. 

Up until the end of this month prices in 3/4* Hotels have been up 100% and more in the popular ones and many fully booked.....yes you can get cheaper but quality wise many are poor and the pics on Booking sites are from long ago in many instances....been to Phang Na 5 years ago but not bothered since.

We have a property a couple of hours drive from Krabi and we must have visited at least 30+ times over the years usually in 4* Hotels....had some absolute bargains in previous years but this year not so.

I have family coming from the UK later this month staying in Ao Nang for 10 nights with them.....later at the end of May booked into the 4* Ava Sea Resort (first time here) for 3 nights at a good price....but currently prices are high in comparison to previous years.

Two years ago while covid was rampant we stayed at the Phu Pi Maan resort in February and again in March in a De Luxe room for 3 nights....cost was 364 baht/night incl breakfast plus taxes....unbelievable bargain

5 minutes ago, petermik said:

Up until the end of this month prices in 3/4* Hotels have been up 100% and more in the popular ones and many fully booked.....yes you can get cheaper but quality wise many are poor and the pics on Booking sites are from long ago in many instances....been to Phang Na 5 years ago but not bothered since.

We have a property a couple of hours drive from Krabi and we must have visited at least 30+ times over the years usually in 4* Hotels....had some absolute bargains in previous years but this year not so.

I have family coming from the UK later this month staying in Ao Nang for 10 nights with them.....later at the end of May booked into the 4* Ava Sea Resort (first time here) for 3 nights at a good price....but currently prices are high in comparison to previous years.

Two years ago while covid was rampant we stayed at the Phu Pi Maan resort in February and again in March in a De Luxe room for 3 nights....cost was 364 baht/night incl breakfast plus taxes....unbelievable bargain

Have you been to Khao Sok?

14 minutes ago, Dolf said:

Have you been to Khao Sok?

No.....