Occupancy rate in Samui Island rises to 98%

BANGKOK: -- Appalled by Sunday’s tsunami tragedy in the southern Andaman coastal provinces, some tourists decided to shift their destinations to Samui Island, bringing the occupancy rate there up to 98%.

Surapol Sawetseranee, Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said in his capacity as a head of the Energy Communications Center, disclosed some tourists had changed their holiday trips from the tidal wave-hit areas to Samui Island, which is not affected by underwater waves since it is located in the Gulf of Thailand.

He said the Tourism Coordination Center in the island held a meeting with entrepreneurs on ways to welcome and take care of tourists. They were asked not to take the opportunity to increase accommodate rates.

The center also coordinated with the Samui Tourism Business Association in expressing condolences in writing to the tsunami-affected entrepreneurs in the South.

Around 13,000 rooms in 383 accommodations are normally booked in Samui Island during the high season. The occupancy is expected to increase by more than 400 rooms during December and January.

Other popular attractions in the eastern seaside include Pattaya, Rayong, Chantra Buri, Trad, and Chang Island.

--TNA 2004-12-30

So some people will have a Good New Year!!