Russian economic crisis hits Pattaya, Phuket

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Russian economic crisis hits Pattaya, Phuket
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION


Foreign tourists walk on the streets of Pattaya in this file photo.

BANGKOK: -- Russia's economic crisis is expected to squeeze the hotel and tourism business in Thailand - especially in Pattaya and Phuket - through the current high season and first quarter of next year.

"Pattaya has been like a second home for Russian tourists and long-stay guests for many years. They have been contributing huge income to the country's economy. But average hotel occupancy in the seaside resort today is falling to 70 per cent from more than 90 per cent last year," Supawan Tanomkieatipume, vice president for marketing at the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said last week.

Pattaya, which is said to be the most popular destination for Russians, has been suffering from a drop-off in arrivals since early this year due to the country's economic problems and the recent plunge in the value of the ruble.

Pattaya is expected to continue feeling the pinch at least until the end of March.

Two years ago, Russian visitors began to flock to Phuket as their new destination, but the famous island is experiencing a similar slump this year.

Russian tourists reached 1.4 million from January-November. But December looms as a tragedy as hotel operators in Pattaya have reported that Russian guests are down 50 per cent from last year.

The country welcomed 1.7 million Russians last year. For years, the Russian market has ranked as the third largest source of tourists after China and Malaysia.

During the first 11 months, the Association of Thai Travel Agents reported that Russia accounted for the second biggest source after China, with some 427,342 visitors. However, that was a 26-per-cent decrease from 585,022 at the same time last year.

Juthaporn Rerngron-asa, deputy governor for marketing for Europe, Africa and the Middle East at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the economic problems in Russia would continue to hinder arrivals through this year's peak season.

The agency also predicts the Japanese market will continue to slow due to economy instability. The authority said it would revise its marketing plans by initiating urgent efforts to boost visitors from other short-haul markets such as China and Asean to substitute for the Russians.

The THA's Suwapan said the MICE - meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition - business mostly from Western markets would not recover by the end of next quarter as many companies were still feared unrest here.

The THA also reported that average hotel occupancy during the year-end period at major destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Samui and Chiang Mai is running at 80 per cent. That is better than last year, but not good as expected due to the global economic downturn. But business in second-tier cities such as Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi and Krabi had improved thanks to more bookings from local travellers.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Russian-economic-crisis-hits-Pattaya-Phuket-30250841.html

-- The Nation 2014-12-29

[Kooweerup]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

[thesetat2013]

Funny I have not read about China losing their tourism from Russia? Perhaps this is just another blame brought on by TAT for their excuses. I know Russia has some financial troubles. But this is not affecting the new tourist's that cone here

[Lingba]

Great News...and you think tourism is down this year?..wait till next year

[Thunder26]

The hotel prices for this period are ridiculously high. I wanted to stay at decent hotels but either there were fully booked or the price was too high. I am not surprised that their occupancy dropped a lot. And Russians that visit right now seem to be a a decent flock, better than the Chinese one.

[Bluespunk]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

Yes.

Unfortunately so, in many countries I've visited and lived in.

At least on the ones that get a lot of tourists.

It's not just the Russians.

Edited December 29, 2014 by Bluespunk

[Tony Pepperoni]

Ko Chang is half empty also. The beaches were quiet at night, and every hotel I went to had rooms empty - it was just a matter of choosing which one for the best price. Usually every hotel is booked up and it's really hard to find a room at this time of the year.

[Felt 35]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

Yes.

Unfortunately so, in many countries I've visited and lived in.

At least on the ones that get a lot of tourists.

It's not just the Russians.

The new world order.........

[sscsamui]

Good news to me...

[Manbing]

Presumably the svetlana's prices will rise too. That should be a pretty reliable indicator of how much the Russians are feeling the squeeze.

[mrtoad]

A lot of the tourist business are 50% down on Koh Chang from last year. Of course businesses that have spread their risk and run well will still do so, those that put all their eggs in one basket chasing the rouble are struggling. Funny, that the traditional European tourists were cast away rather quick as the fools at TAT chased the Russian, Chinese and Indian markets. There's going to be a lot of business up for sale soon.

[MarkB]

Less Russians.... Gotta be good News..

[JOC]

Less Russians.... Gotta be good News..

Your in depth analysis is based on what??

[ikke]

The Russians have chosen an other destination, as numbers show the travel agencies in Russia showing no changes in travelers.

This people know exactly what dictatorship and military ruling ! This is why they will not choose a destination with martial law in place.

The only ones responsible for les economics and tourism was at first Suthep and now the Junta.

Outbound travel from Russian is increased by 23 % to $ 14.8 million.

The five most popular destinations in the period from January to September were Turkey ( 2.7 million , + 20% ), Egypt ( 1.4 million , 17 %) , Greece ( 1.1 million , 69 %) , Spain ( 887,1 thousand , 29 ), China ( 787.2 thousand , -20% ),

Edited December 29, 2014 by ikke

[12DrinkMore]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

Yes.

Unfortunately so, in many countries I've visited and lived in.

At least on the ones that get a lot of tourists.

It's not just the Russians.

Indeed, and in terms of volume of rubbish deposited the Thais are world leaders. Even with large and visible rubbish containers within 50 meters they will just get up and leave the mess behind. I have even been castigated by Thais for picking up other peoples' rubbish when I leave.

"No! Leave it, it is not ours".

[bangkokheat]

immigration, poolice, tat and the government have been making it difficult for expats and tourists, pushing them away, bet thats not helping the cash flow

[bristolgeoff]

May get a fair price for a hotel now.for many years it was overpriced for the Russians put many out in the cold.now they have to eat humble pie and give something back

[JOC]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

And of course the littering was done by the Russians??

Not the Swedes, the Dutch or ,God forbid, the Brits ?

[stevehaigh]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

i think that highly unfair and racist to suggest its all the Russian's fault. where's the stats? i certainly don't see many Thais picking up their khrap

[Dannyboy666]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

. It's a Blessing for us Non Russians...

[jacko45k]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

It was like that before they came.

[MisterTee]

Less Russians.... Gotta be good News..

Your in depth analysis is based on what??

A perception of the obvious that you seem to lack.

[Robroona]

The Russians have chosen an other destination, as numbers show the travel agencies in Russia showing no changes in travelers.

This people know exactly what dictatorship and military ruling ! This is why they will not choose a destination with martial law in place.

The only ones responsible for les economics and tourism was at first Suthep and now the Junta.

Outbound travel from Russian is increased by 23 % to $ 14.8 million.

The five most popular destinations in the period from January to September were Turkey ( 2.7 million , + 20% ), Egypt ( 1.4 million , 17 %) , Greece ( 1.1 million , 69 %) , Spain ( 887,1 thousand , 29 ), China ( 787.2 thousand , -20% ),

And silly me was thinking that it was all because the rouble has tanked. Russians, like every other tourist, don't give a damn who is running the country.

[MisterTee]

immigration, poolice, tat and the government have been making it difficult for expats and tourists, pushing them away, bet thats not helping the cash flow

Nonsense! The only people effected by the recent crackdown have been foreigners living here on multiple VOA's.

Don't post drivel.

Edited December 29, 2014 by MisterTee

[makkam]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

take walk through any british town centre the morning after a weekend night.

[KamalaRider]

A few less Russians could be a good thing. Ever noticed the state of beaches every morning littered with alcohol bottles, rubbish and cigarette butts.

And of course the littering was done by the Russians??

Not the Swedes, the Dutch or ,God forbid, the Brits ?

I don't think you find many Swedes, Danes, Finns, Dutch or Norwegians littering the beaches though.

We belong to a select few countries who like to keep the nature and our surrounding clean.

There's alway exceptions but in great majority, you won't see many of us littering our surroundings.

[Loles]

So Thais will lose lot of quality tourist. I'm in tears.

[Time Traveller]

Funny I have not read about China losing their tourism from Russia? Perhaps this is just another blame brought on by TAT for their excuses. I know Russia has some financial troubles. But this is not affecting the new tourist's that cone here

Let me dumb this down for you. The Ruble has lost about 50% in value over the last year. That means the foreign holiday for Russians has doubled in price.

Edited December 29, 2014 by Time Traveller

[6NS]

Enough of the Russian bashing.

Why bash any raise.

There are those in every culture with bad or different manors.

Myself, I don't think there are near enough, or even any trash barrels around, even on the beach.

It'll take some time for these less advanced countries to pick up on acceptable behavior.

If anything its the loose laws and enforcement causing bad behavior like littering.

It was so funny when I first got here. I'd be walking along the street and nodding to people when our eyes caught.

I soon found out that this was not Canada, It seams Canada has not had enough years under it's belt to build up hatred for each other.

If we all took as much effort to be courteous and polite to others as we do throwing stones, I think everyone would be happier.

Just my take.

[bangkokheat]

immigration, poolice, tat and the government have been making it difficult for expats and tourists, pushing them away, bet thats not helping the cash flow

Nonsense! The only people effected by the recent crackdown have been foreigners living here on multiple VOA's.

Don't post drivel.

so you dont believe the lack of support from police and government, corruption, dual pricing, coup, military rule, continually changing immigration laws etc etc have anything to do with pushing expats and tourists out of the country? its there in the news everyday, try reading a little, you might just become a little more educated