TOURISM
Chiang Mai to draw 2 million tourists during high season
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

CHIANG MAI: -- Chiang Mai province is expected to attract more than 2 million tourists during high season, which starts next week and ends in February, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office said.

Wisoot Buachum said Chiang Mai would kick off the peak season period next week with the Yi Peng Festival, also known as Loy Krathong Festival.

"During a three-day Yi Peng Festival alone, between November 24 and 26, we expect tourists to contribute more than Bt750 million to the economy," he said.

The province hopes to receive 8.7 million tourists this year, a 10-per-cent increase from last year. Revenue for the entire year is expected to reach Bt74 billion. The number of visitors is also expected to climb by 10 per cent during the coming year as Chiang Mai celebrates 720 years.

TAT joined forces with the private sector last week to launch the "Check in Chiang Mai to High Season 2015-2016" campaign to encourage local and international tourists.

"More than 60 per cent of the tourists are local and the rest are foreigners. China is one of the emerging markets for the province," said Wisoot.

According to Chiang Mai International Airport, 74 flights to and from Chiang Mai will be cancelled during the three-day Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) Festival to avoid potential accidents.

Despite the cancellations of the international and domestic flights, the province expects to draw 100,000 visitors from home and overseas.

Meanwhile, the TAT said the X2 Chiang Mai Riverside hotel is scheduled to open in 2017. The hotel, which is currently under construction, will feature 30 suites and a unique design that blends modern elements with the traditional Lanna style.

Situated on the banks of the tranquil Ping River, the hotel embraces nature 100-year-old tamarind trees take centre stage around a courtyard overlooking the river.

X2 is a luxury, trendy hotel brand to be operated by Bespoke Hospitality Management Asia, an Asia-Pacific hotel management, development and consulting group. Anthony McDonald, chief executive officer, said the group would expand the X2 brand across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Chiang-Mai-to-draw-2-million-tourists-during-high--30273151.html


-- The Nation 2015-11-17

Drum roll please!! Don't look now but TAT is at it again.

Maybe one day they'll understand more tourists isn't necessarily a good thing. All these mass tourists are driving away the high spending ones. Nothing worse than being at a beautiful temple when 2 tour buses show up and disgorge over 100 people. Nationality is irrelevant.

If two million tourist come to Chiang Mai they have to be high. That is why they call it the high season!

Make that 1,999,999.

Judging by the expected numbers from China, 2 million in Chiangmai will be spill over and little to do with attraction.

Yes it's the high season for corruption. Song Taews, Tuk Tuks and Taxi's!!!