Phasakorn Channgam
Regional tourism-promotion groups say they no longer are
prioritizing Pattaya’s traditional tourist base and will instead develop new
markets in the Middle East and Asia to replace lost visitors from the West.
Thanet
Supornsahatrangsi.
Thanet Supornsahatrangsi, vice president of the Thai
Hotels Association Eastern Chapter, said the Pattaya Business & Tourism
Association, Pattaya Tourism Club, Tourism Association of Thailand and the
Chonburi provincial government are intent on turning Pattaya into a new
choice for visitors from Turkey, Israel, Indonesia and Vietnam. At the same
time, more effort will be put into building the already strong Russian,
Indian and Chinese markets.
“This year’s marketing plan will not emphasize only old
markets, but push for new markets,” he said. “Those from countries such as
Israel and Turkey have high purchasing power and economic figures show South
Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia also growing by 8-10 percent, making them
interesting markets with strong potential as well.”
While the United States, United Kingdom and Europe are
responsible for making Pattaya a major tourist attraction, Thanet - a
consultant to the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association - said he believes
lingering concern over Thailand’s tenuous political situation and
unfavorable exchange rates will continue to make marketing in the West
challenging. Yet he also dismissed places like Australia, with its
relatively stronger currency, saying Pattaya never has and likely never will
be as popular as Koh Samui or Phuket for those from Down Under.
Thailand’s foreign tourist numbers have been suffering
for more than two years. In 2008, months of street protests followed by a
10-day shutdown of the country’s main international airports destroyed the
country’s image as a peaceful, convenient destination. Deadly riots that
left more than 70 people dead last year ruined the country’s reputation for
safety. World recession and a skyrocketing currency nearly put the final
nails in the tourism industry’s coffin.
But Thanet said visitor numbers have bounced back since
October, although still pale in comparison to years earlier. He credited
programs such as the “Pattaya Grand Sale” promotion and a string of
scheduled events and festivals with again filling hotel rooms.
However, now that the political crisis has ebbed, money
for tourism promotion is in short supply. Thanet urged government officials
to realize the job is not complete and more money is needed. China is a good
example why, he said. Visits from this major Pattaya tourist market are
still down almost 30 percent.
Other factors also concern the hotels chief, such as the
steady erosion of Pattaya Beach and the slow approach public officials are
taking to fix it.
