In a move to support a faster recovery of the economy, Thailand has asked hotel operators to increase prices for foreign tourists and the country is planning to rise hotel prices to pre-pandemic days.
Thailand’s tourism ministry has asked hotel operators to implement a dual-tariff structure under which foreign tourists may be charged rates similar to pre-pandemic days while locals may continue to enjoy discounted rates.
“This is to maintain our standards of rates and services for foreign tourists, which affects the perception of the country’s tourism brand,” said a spokesperson from the government. “Rates that have been reduced during Covid-19 will be maintained for Thais to sustain the momentum of domestic tourism.” Continued the spokesperson.
Hotels in tourism hotspots such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui continue to offer huge discounts to draw back visitors after the pandemic pushed room occupancy rates to about 30%.
While there has been no immediate response Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will soon hold talks with the Hotel Association of Thailand about the dual-pricing plans.
The famous SE Asian tourist destination which used to be a preferred tourist place is still reeling under the effects of the covid19 pandemic.
Thailand expects 9.3 million foreign arrivals this year, a fraction of the 40 million tourists it received in 2019.
