Tourism leaders in Pattaya are calling on the Thai government to introduce Covid-era initiatives to help hoteliers struggling with low occupancy rates.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul is being urged to consider subsidies for domestic airfares to reinvigorate a conference market that has slumped in response to the government’s work-from-home policies.
Hoteliers point to occupancy rates of 30% to 40% this month in Thailand’s southern coastal properties, almost half the usual low-season rate, which relies on domestic conference bookings to fill beds at this time of year.
Public agencies and private companies have been postponing or cancelling group travel to save costs.
Long-haul markets have also slowed due to flight disruptions and rising airfares.
The downturn comes at a time when Airports of Thailand has confirmed the international passenger service charge will be increased from 730 baht (US$22) to 1,120 baht (US$34) on 20 June.
Thailand is also mulling various tourism related measures, including cutting visa-free stays in Thailand from 60 days to 30 days, as well as mandatory insurance for tourists.