Pattaya tourism now close to pre-Covid levels, association says
Tourism in Southeast Asia’s sin city of Pattaya is now close to pre-Covid levels, according to the Pattaya Entertainment Association.
The association’s secretary-general, Damrongkiat Pinijkarn, said that tourism is now at 80-90% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Damrongkiat said that on Pattaya’s most buzzing road, Walking Street, over 90% of venues have already reopened. He noted that venues on the road still need more workers.
Damronkiat said that Pattaya’s tourism scene has made a comeback thanks to Indian, Hong Kong, Chinese, South Korean, and European tourists.
However, Damrongkiat urged Pattaya authorities to fix the city’s infrastructure, as well as encroachment by stopping shops on Walking Street. He said that these issues might hinder traffic flows and fire trucks when fires break out.
He also urged authorities to ensure adequate availability of ambulances and medical personnel on standby to quickly respond in case of accidents or injuries among tourists, The Pattaya News reported.
Known for its raging nightlife, Pattaya is renowned for being a land of endless parties. Walking Street in particular is known for its bars and clubs, with Thai and foreign tourists alike having a blast there at all hours of the night.
The city, therefore, took a big hit when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.
But now, things are looking up for Pattaya.
The city is currently preparing for the return of Chinese tour groups. On Tuesday, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches met with the Thai-Chinese Tourism Association to discuss how best to accommodate the influx of Chinese tourists to the city.
The association is now planning to create tour packages for Chinese tourists in Pattaya. The association’s president said Chinese tourists would be guided to tourist spots around Pattaya that have been quality-assured by the association.
We’ll have to wait and see when Pattaya’s tourism gets back to 100% of its pre-Covid levels.
