Latest news with #ThaiHotelsAssociation
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thai hotels see 30% drop in Chinese tourists in Q2, occupancy rate falls to 52% in May
BANGKOK: Thailand's tourism sector has entered the full low season, and private businesses are increasingly concerned about the foreign tourist market. Not only are there no positive factors supporting growth, but negative influences are compounding. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the number of foreign tourists between May 1–11 reached 851,912, while the total for Jan 1–May 11 stood at 12,948,032 — a decrease of 1.04% compared to the same period last year. Chinese tourists still ranked first in number at 1,766,870, only 100,000 more than Malaysian tourists, who ranked second. Thienprasit Chaiyaphatranan, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported findings from the April 2025 "Hotel Business Confidence Index" survey, conducted in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand. The survey, conducted from April 10–28 with 139 hotel respondents, revealed that most hoteliers expect a year-on-year decline in international guests in Q2, especially in the Central and Southern regions. Around 25% of respondents expect the number of Chinese tourists to drop by more than 30%. More than half of the hotels also anticipate a decline in the average daily room rate (ADR) compared to the same period last year, with most reducing rates by over 10%. However, about one-quarter of hotels—particularly 4-star and above, and those in the South—have managed slight rate increases, generally not exceeding 5%. The average hotel occupancy rate in April 2025 was 63%, down from the previous month, in line with a drop in international arrivals, especially from China. Chinese travelLers are reportedly concerned about safety issues in Thailand. Regionally, the occupancy rates were: North: 38.7% (down from 47.3% in March), East: 69.2% (up slightly from 67.4%), Central: 59.9% (down from 69.2%), and South: 70.8% (down from 78.5%). The forecasted national occupancy rate for May 2025 is 52%. Thienprasit added that tourism in April remained vibrant, largely due to the Songkran Festival, which attracted both Thai and international tourists. However, there is rising concern about the international market due to global economic volatility, China's economic slowdown, and China's policies encouraging domestic travel. Additionally, multiple factors have negatively affected Thailand's image among Chinese tourists, including human trafficking issues, safety concerns from recent earthquakes, and social media narratives about illegal Chinese business operations. 'At the same time, regional competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia are aggressively promoting tourism, offering incentives, cutting costs, and adjusting policies to attract more visitors,' he said. The THA hopes that new markets can help offset the decline in Chinese tourists in May. It urges both public and private sectors to boost tourism through promotional campaigns and events. Thailand's strong tourism potential can be further enhanced by reducing restrictions, addressing weaknesses, improving service quality, and focusing on value over volume to establish Thailand as a top-choice repeat destination. "Still, ensuring safety and service quality remains essential to attract both domestic and international tourists," Thienprasit emphasised. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Chiang Mai's tourism faces harsh low season amid falling Chinese and Thai visitors
BANGKOK: Chiang Mai's tourism and hotel industry is struggling to weather a particularly severe low season in 2025, more challenging than usual in the post-Covid era, as major travel trends shift—especially among Chinese and Thai tourists. La-iad Bungsrithong, General Manager of RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai and advisor to the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said the outlook for Chiang Mai's tourism and hotel industry during the low season (Q2–Q3 of 2025) is "extremely bleak," with overall tourist numbers plummeting due to declines in two key markets: China and Thailand. While the first quarter started off strong with a carryover from the previous high season in Q4 of 2024, the momentum only lasted through January and February. By March, the decline in tourist arrivals became evident. In particular, the Chinese market—previously the largest international tourist segment for Chiang Mai—was hit hard. Following an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, Chinese tourist numbers dropped significantly in April, with total arrivals from China down 50–60% since the start of the year. 'We believe that beyond China's slowing economy and ongoing safety image concerns, Chiang Mai's attractions may no longer match the preferences of Chinese tourists, who now favor Bangkok and Phuket instead,' La-iad said. Currently, Chiang Mai receives just eight direct flights per day from China—down from over ten during the high season (Q4 2024 to Q1 2025) and well below the pre-Covid average of 15–18 flights per day in 2019. La-iad explained that typically, Thai tourists make up 70% of Chiang Mai's visitors, with 30% coming from abroad, led by China, followed by South Korea and Taiwan. With the sharp drop in Chinese visitors, operators are now seeking to diversify by targeting emerging markets such as South Korea, the Middle East, and Asean countries. In Q1, arrivals from South Korea, Taiwan, and the UK were notable, though the low season naturally brings a slowdown in travel activity. La-iad also highlighted a concerning trend in the domestic market. Thai tourist numbers have fallen by over 20% since the beginning of the year, now making up only 40–50% of all visitors to Chiang Mai. This drop is linked to a sustained post-Covid trend of Thais opting for overseas travel, combined with high domestic airfare prices. 'Thais are also quite cautious about spending, as income levels remain flat while the cost of living continues to rise. I'd like to see the government help control the prices of essential goods so that people still have purchasing power for travel,' she added. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand faces tourism crisis as foreign arrivals stagnate, minister urges urgent action
BANGKOK: Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand are slowing to a critical level, prompting Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong to meet with the private sector to urgently address the issue and mitigate its impact. Sorawong on Wednesday (April 30) chaired a meeting to address safety concerns affecting international tourists visiting Thailand. The discussion involved key stakeholders from the private tourism sector, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Thai Hotels Association, the Tourism Council of Thailand, and the Airlines Association of Thailand. Sorawong acknowledged that the current foreign tourism market in Thailand is reaching a critical point, with concern shared by both the ministry and private sector. However, he noted that the situation is still manageable if swift preventative action is taken. "Tourism remains the only strong engine driving our economy right now. We must act wherever we can," he said. Sorawong added that since the beginning of 2025, arrivals from some major markets—such as China—have declined. However, revenue from tourism has increased compared to the same period in 2024, indicating that tourists are spending more per person. From January 1 to April 27, Thailand recorded 11,841,911 foreign visitors—a minimal increase of just 0.12 per cent year-over-year—generating approximately 565.6 billion baht (US$17.07 billion) in revenue. The top five source countries were China (1.6 million), Malaysia (1.48 million), Russia (865,634), India (729,414), and South Korea (571,409). Sorawong emphasised that the main factor contributing to the decline is Thailand's perceived safety image. The ministry has been coordinating closely with the Tourist Police and other relevant agencies to ensure safety for all travelers. Although these efforts have not been widely publicised, he reassured the public that security measures are being implemented thoroughly. 'Many recent negative reports stem from misleading information, particularly when translated into other languages like Chinese and English,' he said. 'Not all reported issues reflect the real situation, and some involve scams targeting foreigners to work illegally in Thailand, not genuine tourists.' The minister also addressed concerns over high prices for tourism-related goods and services—like hotels, attractions, and flights—clarifying that the focus should be on value and fair pricing, not on being a "cheap" destination. While flight prices have risen globally, Thailand is exploring measures like cutting aviation fuel excise tax and increasing charter flights to offset costs for travelers. In conclusion, Sorawong warned that negative perceptions and misinformation could significantly damage Thailand's overall reputation, not just the tourism industry, especially as other countries—such as China—aggressively compete for international tourists. - The Nation/ANN
Japan Times
31-03-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Massive quake is latest blow to Thai tourism hit by safety woes
The deadly Myanmar earthquake is set to hurt foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand in the coming weeks, the latest blow to an industry already reeling from dwindling Chinese visitors worried about travel safety. International tourist arrivals are expected to drop by 10%-15% or even more in the next two weeks as Friday's 7.7 earthquake shook buildings in Bangkok and other Thai tourist hot spots, spooking prospective travelers, the Thai Hotels Association said. About 10% of foreign tourists checked out early after the quake, said Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the association, citing an initial survey among the group's members. Some tourists, however, later returned to their hotels as they had no other options, he said. "A short-term impact is expected for the tourism industry because of safety concerns,' Thienprasit said by phone on Saturday. Even a short-lived impact on tourist arrivals will hurt an economy where the industry employs one in five of the country's workforce and accounts for about 13% of gross domestic product. Thai authorities are betting on an improved tourism performance to propel growth to 3% this year as merchandise exports, another key driver of growth, faces headwinds from the Trump administration's trade tariffs. Thai authorities have in the meantime reassured foreign tourists. The country is safe for tourists, Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said Saturday, adding that the government has ordered a safety audit of hotels and major tourist attractions. While the earthquake rattled buildings across Bangkok, leading to mass evacuations and suspension of public transport for a day, the city emerged largely unscathed in contrast to the massive destruction in Myanmar. The collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok was the biggest hit from the temblor, killing 10 workers and trapping dozens under its debris. To be sure, tourist arrivals were already on the decline due to safety concerns in recent months. A series of high-profile cases of human trafficking to scam centers in Myanmar via Thailand prompted some travelers from China, Thailand's largest source for tourists, to shun the Southeast Asian nation. Hotel bookings during the country's Songkran festival next month haven't been as good compared with two years ago, and post-tremor safety concerns could further hurt confidence among foreign visitors, Thienprasit from the hotel group said. Foreign tourist arrivals have been falling on a weekly basis since the end of the Lunar New Year rush in early February. Bank of America economists expect downside risk to its forecast of 38.1 million tourist arrivals this year with the country moving into the low season when European tourists subside and Chinese tourist arrivals still showing no sign of recovery. Thailand — popular among tourists for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and Buddhist temples — has welcomed 8.9 million tourists since the start of the year, up 2.9% from year earlier, according to latest official data. Foreign visitors traveling in groups aren't as concerned about safety as seen from the normal flight schedules at key Thai airports, said Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. "But tourists, who haven't made bookings to Thailand, may decide to halt travel plans,' Adith says. "The impact could surface in the next two weeks.'
South China Morning Post
30-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Still reeling from drop in Chinese visitors, earthquake gives new blow to Thai tourism
The deadly Myanmar earthquake is set to hurt foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand in the coming weeks, the latest blow to an industry already reeling from dwindling Chinese visitors worried about travel safety. Advertisement International tourist arrivals are expected to drop by 10 per cent to 15 per cent or even more in the next two weeks as Friday's 7.7 earthquake shook buildings in Bangkok and other Thai tourist hotspots, spooking prospective travellers, the Thai Hotels Association said. About 10 per cent of foreign tourists checked out early after the quake, said Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the association, citing an initial survey among the group's members. Some tourists, however, later returned to their hotels as they had no other options, he said. 'A short-term impact is expected for the tourism industry because of safety concerns,' Thienprasit said by phone on Saturday. Even a short-lived effect on tourist arrivals will hurt an economy where the industry employs one in five of the country's workforce and accounts for about 13 per cent of gross domestic product. Advertisement Thai authorities are betting on an improved tourism performance to propel growth to 3 per cent this year as merchandise exports, another key driver of growth, faces headwinds from the Trump administration's trade tariffs.
