ER
PATTAYA, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, is experiencing a crisis among Chinese tourists, who are the largest contributors of tourist visits to the region. The decline in tourist numbers has been exacerbated by the recent kidnapping of a Chinese actor, coupled with an earthquake. Many tourists feel unsafe vacationing there.
This decline is evident in group and private tours. As reported by the Pattaya Mail, Thanet Suphasaharangsi, president of the Chonburi Tourism Federation (ACTF), revealed that only 300,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand in March.
In contrast, Vietnam welcomed 670,000 Chinese tourists, surpassing Thailand for the first time in the Chinese tourist market. This shift is due to increased perceptions of safety and willingness to use Vietnam’s better infrastructure and facilities.
Earlier this month, Thanet told the Bangkok Post that a number of hotels in Pattaya reported a decline from 80-90 percent in the first two months to 50 percent in March. Hotels that maintained strong occupancy rates in March were those in the high-end segment.
Korean Tourists Down 30%
The decline in tourist arrivals is not limited to Chinese tourists. South Korean tourist arrivals also fell by 30% in the first quarter of this year. In addition, the Russian market, while showing a slight recovery, is shifting its flights to Vietnam.
To address this, the Chonburi Tourism Federation, in cooperation with various associations, has proposed an urgent action plan with three main strategies:
(1). Holding a Mega Fam Trip promotion by inviting 400 Chinese agents and media representatives to visit Thailand to rebuild trust, (2). Holding charter flights. Thailand will offer more than 1,000 charter flights from various cities in China with support if the flights are at least 80% full, (3). Expand to Korea and Russia. This strategy will be implemented by extending similar programs to these markets to increase travel to Thailand.
The proposal is currently being coordinated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and will soon be submitted to the government for support. These three strategies are expected to drive recovery in the coming quarters. [sources/photo special]
