Thailand bad weather: Chinese tourist influx expected to fall short

The anticipated influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand during the Chinese National Day holiday is expected to fall short due to adverse weather conditions and evolving travel behaviours, as shared by Sanphet Supabornsatien, an advisor to the Eastern Thai Hotels Association (THA).

Thai hotel operators had been hopeful for a significant number of Chinese visitors from October 1 to 7. Sanphet explained that the unpredictable weather in Thailand, coupled with fluctuating flight prices and changing travel behaviours, has led to adjustments and delays by Chinese tour companies. These factors are likely to result in fewer Chinese tourists visiting during this crucial holiday period.

The rise in the number of Free Individual Travelers (FIT) has been noted but Sanphet highlighted that natural disasters continue to play a significant role in tourists’ decision-making processes.

“Even though there have been no cancellations, travel plans have been postponed or adjusted, impacting the expected tourist arrivals.”

Hotel operators are making efforts to improve their services to better accommodate these changes. However, the impact of adverse weather conditions remains a critical factor, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, Maya Bay, the iconic destination in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands, will welcome visitors once more after a two-month closure for environmental rehabilitation. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), led by its Director-General Attapon Charoenchansa, confirmed the reopening of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Lor Kor Bay, marking the end of their temporary closure from August 1 to September 30.

In other news, Thailand anticipates a surge in foreign arrivals, targeting 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This influx is projected to elevate the annual total to nearly 36 million, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the market’s growth is expected to benefit from the visa-free scheme, numerous festive events, and a recovery in international flights, currently at 82% of the 2019 level.