Phasakorn Channgam
The president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association rebuked
members for decreased support of the Pattaya Grand Sale, reminding them that
the promotion is an annual event to spur low-season tourism, not simply a
vehicle to boost revenues during tough times.
Sinchai
Wattanasartsathorn, president of the PBTA is trying to encourage tourism
business operators to lend better support to the Pattaya Grand Sale
campaign.
Speaking at the association’s May 8 meeting at the Green
Park Resort, newly elected Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn noted that fewer
hotels and retailers are cutting rates and offering discounts for the Grand
Sale than in previous campaigns.
“This may be a result of a stronger tourism industry in Pattaya but,
nevertheless, members are urged to join in the Pattaya Grand Sale as it is
an annual sale event, not just an activity to solve a crisis.”
The Pattaya Grand Sale was begun and expanded during years when Bangkok and
other parts of the kingdom were roiled by violent anti-government protests.
It also proved crucial to Pattaya’s tourism during 2011’s devastating
flooding.
With the kingdom now peaceful and flood-free, tourism has rebounded, leaving
many business owners unwilling to offer discounts and promotions.
“The development of Pattaya’s tourism economy cannot be done by the Tourism
Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office alone,” agreed TAT Pattaya Director
Athapol Vannakit.
In addition to the Grand Sale, the TAT office is organizing “road shows” in
Chiang Mai and Australia to attract tourists. “This is a good opportunity
for PBTA members and I suggest the association organize a committee to draft
a marketing plan to elicit cooperation from members to take advantage of
these shows,” Athapol added.
