Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition.

While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence.

“Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high rollers demand the crème de la crème – all-inclusive deals with unlimited beverages and feasts fit for kings.”

Independent tourists find themselves outnumbered as business clientele takes centre stage, said Poowadee.

“Independent tourists have dwindled from 80 to 90% pre-pandemic to 60 to 70% on daily cruises.”

Chao Phraya Cruise, once bustling with at least two daily private cruises, now operates only one for solo adventurers, highlighting the stark shift in demand, reported Bangkok Post.

In the world of cruise operations, prices are plummeting, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Poowadee dishes out the details:

“We’re selling cruise packages at 10 to 20% less than 2019 rates due to slow demand from inbound tourists, coupled with domestic savers eyeing other adventures abroad.”

With a surge in competitors and a lacklustre economy, operators find themselves unable to anchor their prices to pre-pandemic highs.

To inject life back into the riverfront, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is pulling out all the stops with Vijit Chao Phraya 2023, a dazzling light show and cultural extravaganza along the river. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol believes this event will be the wind in the sails of riverfront businesses, projecting a staggering 600 million baht in revenue and over 400,000 visitors.

Poowadee offers her two cents on boosting tourism – focus on soft power and festivals. She backs the idea of a month-long water festival across Thailand, diversifying options beyond the famed Songkran festival. She even suggests rescheduling Vijit Chao Phraya to October or November, uncharted territories for tourists, making a splash in the less crowded low season.