reader Posted August 25 Share Posted August 25 From Pattaya Mail With the high season fast approaching, Sanphet Suphabuansathien, President of the Thai Hotel Association (Eastern Chapter), has voiced concerns over national stability and the critical issue of high airfares and seats availability. These uncertainties are impacting traveler decisions and adding complexity to preparations for the upcoming high season. Sanphet emphasized, “To welcome visitors to Thailand and Pattaya, it is crucial that we demonstrate our readiness, particularly in terms of safety. We are well aware of the need to build confidence among both international tourists and Thai nationals.” Yet, uncertainties remain, primarily due to the scarcity of dependable flight options. Sanphet highlighted that airlines operating below full capacity are causing challenges during price negotiations. Potential tourists often cite high airfare rates as a deterrent to their travel plans. Consequently, the outlook for hotel bookings during the high season remains unclear. The hotel industry eagerly anticipates support from the new government, which emphasizes stimulating the economy through tourism and services. This approach is considered essential for generating substantial revenue for the country. The industry is seeking comprehensive policies and proactive promotions to enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness. Somsong Sachaphimukh, Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Industry Council of Thailand, underscored the need to cater to the preferences of Indian tourists, particularly in terms of food and entertainment. Swift adaptation is crucial to prevent these tourists from choosing alternative destinations. As India emerges as a potent force in Asian tourism, Thailand is witnessing a significant influx of Indian travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects around 1.6 million Indian visitors in 2023. Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, highlighted the Indian market’s strength. Presently, Thai Airways operates 70 weekly flights to India, in contrast to 14 flights to China. This reduction is a result of COVID-19 challenges. With Thailand’s narrow-bodied fleet poised to expand in the coming decade, future operations might pivot more towards India. vinapu and alvnv 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted August 25 Share Posted August 25 2 hours ago, reader said: Potential tourists often cite high airfare rates as a deterrent to their travel plans. yes, I'm one of them. I have vague plans for yet another trip this year but made internal limit of how much I'm prepared to pay and so far offers are not even close to my limit, sigh. Ruthrieston 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveller123 Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 I travelled from BKK to Manchester UK mid April returning in July. Was on Emirates A380s economy changing in Dubai The flights were expensive twice to three times what I paid pre Covid. All four flights were full suggesting people were not put off by the cost vinapu 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reader Posted September 1 Author Share Posted September 1 From Pattaya Mail Pattaya’s tourism landscape shifts as Chinese visitor numbers decline Pattaya is facing new challenges as the flow of Chinese tourists, once a dominant force, dwindles. The President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) Boonanan Pattanasin, has highlighted the evolving dynamics of this popular travel hub on August 28. For years, Pattaya has drawn in millions of Chinese tourists, acting as a substantial economic contributor. However, recent stringent visa regulations and concerns about potentially unaccounted Chinese funds have triggered a notable drop in these figures. In the interest of curbing gray-market financial activities, tighter regulations and meticulous vetting procedures have been implemented, leading to a decline in tourist numbers. Boonanan recognized that this downturn can be attributed to a combination of factors, including decreased flight availability and rising airfares. This trend, affecting the broader Thai tourism landscape, is also influencing Pattaya. To combat these challenges, collaborative strategies have been launched involving public and private sectors, along with airlines, to boost flight capacity at U-Tapao International Airport and promote tourism during the upcoming high season. The shifting behavior of Chinese visitors is evident, with a growing preference for independent travel (FIT) over group tours. Nonetheless, group tours still constitute a considerable 40% of the total Chinese visitors. Despite this, Pattaya has witnessed a noticeable decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, which has left a mark on hotel occupancy rates. Pattaya’s situation is further complicated by its airport’s limitations. While U-Tapao International Airport serves as a gateway, its flight options are limited. Nevertheless, Chinese tourists remain pivotal to Pattaya’s economic fabric, supporting local businesses both as FIT travelers and group tourists. Recent tourism trends in Thailand suggest encouraging growth, with a steady stream of foreign visitors. Notably, Vietnamese tourists have spearheaded this trend, contributing to a 14.40% increase, followed by South Korean and Indian tourists at 9.27% and 7.17% respectively. These statistics bode well for the remainder of 2023, hinting at a robust visitor turnout primarily from the ASEAN, East Asian, and South Asian regions. alvnv 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 1 Share Posted September 1 6 hours ago, reader said: Recent tourism trends in Thailand suggest encouraging growth, with a steady stream of foreign visitors. Notably, Vietnamese tourists have spearheaded this trend, contributing to a 14.40% increase, followed by South Korean and Indian tourists at 9.27% and 7.17% respectively. what about me ?, I was in Thailand already 3 times in 2023 , increase of 50% over 2022 splinter1949, alvnv, floridarob and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterRS Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 9 hours ago, vinapu said: what about me ?, I was in Thailand already 3 times in 2023 , increase of 50% over 2022 Huh? I've been here 6 times (but then I've been returning home each time 🤣) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 6 minutes ago, PeterRS said: Huh? I've been here 6 times (but then I've been returning home each time 🤣) what is your increase over 2022 as I was boasting about that ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gayinpattaya Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 There are Indians EVERYWHERE. In fact, some areas of Pattaya look, feel and SMELL like India now. My Thai friend from Chiang Mai was horrified how they have ghettoised an entire area of Pattaya. Phoenixblue 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoenixblue Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 15 minutes ago, gayinpattaya said: There are Indians EVERYWHERE. In fact, some areas of Pattaya look, feel and SMELL like India now. My Thai friend from Chiang Mai was horrified how they have ghettoised an entire area of Pattaya. Indians are everywhere all over, not just in Pattaya or even in Thailand but all over the entire planet. They already have 10 Downing Street and aiming for the White House floridarob and Boy69 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gayinpattaya Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 58 minutes ago, Phoenixblue said: Indians are everywhere all over, not just in Pattaya or even in Thailand but all over the entire planet. They already have 10 Downing Street and aiming for the White House Let them have it. England has been lost already. A failed state shithole. I'll just keep myself as far away from them as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterRS Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 5 hours ago, vinapu said: what is your increase over 2022 as I was boasting about that ? Sorry - it's actually already 200% as I was only away once in the UK and once in Taiwan in 2002. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 5 hours ago, PeterRS said: Sorry - it's actually already 200% as I was only away once in the UK and once in Taiwan in 2002. you beat me again and again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 8 hours ago, gayinpattaya said: There are Indians EVERYWHERE. In fact, some areas of Pattaya look, feel and SMELL like India now You are on something, now every second or third restaurant in Pattaya seems to be Indian one. I wouldn't say everywhere though as I saw very few of them, if any , in Boyztown or Jomtien boy bars. Phoenixblue 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gayinpattaya Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 3 minutes ago, vinapu said: I saw very few of them, if any , in Boyztown or Jomtien boy bars. Some have been drifting through Jomtien Complex. Surprisingly they never get a "HELLOOO WELCOMEEE" from any of the bars. Phoenixblue 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 10 minutes ago, gayinpattaya said: Some have been drifting through Jomtien Complex. Surprisingly they never get a "HELLOOO WELCOMEEE" from any of the bars. They have some reputation for stinginess that's probably why. On another hand I asked one BBB boy I offed few times whether it's true Indians are poor tippers and he said "not all, some are spending big" floridarob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moses Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 My statistic in Siamroads shows what Vietnam is more popular within gay tourists now than Thailand. First year since 2009 Siamroads has more request and reservations in VN, than in TH. PeterRS, vinapu and Phoenixblue 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post macaroni21 Posted September 2 Popular Post Share Posted September 2 3 hours ago, Moses said: My statistic in Siamroads shows what Vietnam is more popular within gay tourists now than Thailand. First year since 2009 Siamroads has more request and reservations in VN, than in TH. Maybe it's because most travellers are no longer new to Thailand and thus don't need guides, whereas they're still new to Vietnam. Phoenixblue, vinapu, floridarob and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 2 minutes ago, macaroni21 said: Maybe it's because most travellers are no longer new to Thailand and thus don't need guides, whereas they're still new to Vietnam. my thought exactly , you beat me to it by 1 minute. I wanted to say ' relative novelty value" also , again relative shortage of travel information. alvnv 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
