BANGKOK, 12 JUNE 2011 – Thai Hotels Association chairman Prakij Chin-amornpong disclosed that if the chaos in Thai politics had lessened, the hotel’s room price would be increased by 5-10% from the high season in October onwards.
The purpose is to adjust the price to be in line with the cost of production in the field of administration and management as well as altering the price’s structure to be back to normal, since in the past 3 years the tourism business had been largely affected by disastrous political issues, consequently, the price increase at an expected 10% annually could not be made.
The private business owner believes that after the election’s results has formed country’s new government, the hotel and tourism industry will enjoy the tourists’ increased confidence in visiting Thailand, because in the past, there had been restrictions from several countries blocking tourism in Thailand due to political disturbances.
However, whether or not the price can be hiked according to the expectations, it would depend on the national tourism organization to adjust its strategy in stimulating tourism in the second half of the year, by targeting quality and financially stable tourists who can afford high prices. In other words, the promotion will be focused on the niche market nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched the “Stopover Bangkok” project to encourage tourists on transit for 1-2 nights. It is believed that the project will increase the number of tourists by over 200,000 a year. Moreover, the TAT would proceed with other projects to encourage the continuous travelling in the second half of the year, as well as the tour packages focusing on niche market, such as honeymoon couple, family, and retired businesspeople.
