Athapol
Wanakit, director of TAT, Pattaya Office.
Phasakorn Channgam
As flood waters seep into Bangkok, Pattaya hotels
have become refuges for disaster victims and the Tourism Authority of
Thailand and Thai Hotels Association are working to ensure displaced
families can find temporary quarters at discounted rates.
More than 40 area hotels set aside rooms at special
rates for victims of the flooding disaster even as the two associations
tried to reassure international travel agents the city is still able to
accommodate high-season tourists.
“At the moment, hotels, resorts and various
accommodation venues are being recruited to offer pricing to help
alleviate troubles for victims in finding a room for either three
nights, a week or a month,” said TAT Pattaya Office Director Athapol
Wanakit.
Nearly 40 hotels have offered more than 500 rooms at
discounted rates for victims. While Athapol said he believes the
quantity of available rooms will be sufficient, “prior booking is a
must.” Hotels of all price ranges are available, but a minimum stay of
three nights is required.
With Thailand’s floods making news worldwide,
tourists abroad are concerned Pattaya also may be impacted by the
crisis. TAT officials are working hard to dispel the false perception
Pattaya has been flooded as well.
“As a tourism destination not directly affected by
the current natural disaster in Thailand, Pattaya has an airport ready
to service tourists by arriving straight to U-Tapao Pattaya
International Airport,” Athapol said. “We are clarifying for tourists
and international agents which locations are flood-impacted and the
efficiency of travelling to the city.”
Athapol said it was also important to clarify that
Pattaya has more than 50,000 rooms to offer tourists and that the city
offers many attractions and amenities not impacted by flooding, such as
shopping malls, golf courses, health spas and restaurants.
Information on participating hotels is available
contacting TAT’s Pattaya office at 038-427-667,or 038-428-750.
