Pattaya-
Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor spoke with the Media yesterday and said hotel occupancy rates are about 80% percent right now, a decline for high season. However, he said the city still averages 450,000 visitors a day and behaviors are changing such as multiple people staying in one room or not booking in advance.
He also said Indian business has surged to record numbers and the average Indian tourist spends 10,000 baht a day, with the average Chinese tourist spending 5,000.
Hotel business in Pattaya has begun to feel the pinch of the strong baht and the economic slowdown, with reports of declining occupancy rates.
Under normal circumstances, most hotels in the popular beach city would be fully booked during the high season, but this year the overall occupancy rate is 80%, said Pattaya deputy governor Manoj Nongyai.
The surging local currency has made foreign travellers more price-conscious, he said.
The city is a first-night stay for many foreigners visiting Thailand, according to a study. They then choose to stay the other nights on Koh Samet in Rayong or in Bangkok before flying home.
The slowdown in hotel business also stems from changes in behaviour, especially by Chinese tourists, who are starting to tend to travel independently in small groups instead of buying tour packages.
These travellers prefer walk-in booking when they arrive at a destination, or they use a sharing-economy platform to enjoy lower costs for accommodation, Mr Manoj said.
Pattaya continues to attract some 450,000 visitors daily. The top three tourist groups this year are Chinese, Indians and Russians.
The Indian market has shown strong potential, with visitors still travelling in groups of 20-30 people, particularly for incentives, bachelor parties and weddings. Bollywood productions use Pattaya as a shooting location, inspiring Indians to visit Thailand.
Average spending for Indian tourists is 10,000 baht per person per day, compared with 5,000 baht for Chinese visitors, he said.
Mr Manoj said large crowds in the past generated about 480 tonnes of garbage a day. But the city has improved its management scheme and cut waste to 450 tonnes daily.
Read more here: (Source Bangkok Post with some additional material and editing from us)
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1802659#cxrecs_s
