Pattaya tourism surges with Russian and European influx
Pattaya has experienced a notable increase in tourism during the current High Season, with a significant influx of visitors from Russia and Europe, as reported by Thanes Supharahasrangsi, president of the Chon Buri Tourism Association.
On January 29, Thanes highlighted that many of these tourists are opting for extended stays in the city, contributing to a vibrant local economy.
Thanes shared that surveys conducted by the association revealed that hotels catering to Russian and European tourists are witnessing high occupancy rates, with some establishments reaching up to 90% capacity. This is particularly true for hotels situated near popular tourist attractions and retail areas.
Last year, Pattaya’s tourism sector rebounded to approximately 80% of pre-covid levels. Thanes expressed optimism that tourism might fully recover to normal levels by 2025 and beyond. Some hotels might even surpass pre-covid numbers, as the confidence in the safety and standards of the destination has grown. The occupancy and room rates are anticipated to rise by about 30% compared to the previous year.
However, a recent incident in a neighbouring country has considerably affected the Chinese tourist market. The development has led to increased caution among Chinese travellers, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers during the recent Chinese New Year period. This has led to some charter flights to Thailand being cancelled, impacting hotels that primarily cater to Chinese tourists, with a noted decline of over 20 to 30% in bookings.
Thanes mentioned that before the pandemic, Chinese tourists represented 70% of Pattaya’s visitors. The news of a kidnapping incident led to a 40% drop in bookings in a matter of days.
Despite these challenges, the tourism outlook for Thailand in February is promising. However, there may be a slowdown in March as the second quarter begins. The trend will be influenced by government actions addressing safety concerns and air quality, which are crucial factors for potential tourists.
Currently, the major tourist groups in Pattaya are Russians, followed by Europeans from countries such as Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, reported The Pattaya News.
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