Thailand Ministry of Health reports 6,736 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 54 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 9,213 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
The four-day holiday this weekend drew a lackluster response from tourism operators, as the economic downturn stymies travel plans, forcing operators to rely on the gradual resumption of international tourists.
Domestic travelers are being put off by rising gasoline and consumer goods prices, according to Phisut Sae-Khu, president of the Thai Hotels Association’s eastern region.
According to Mr. Phisut, hotel occupancy in Pattaya is only 60% because residents have already spent their budget over Songkran and Labour Day.
As local Covid infections begin to fade, the domestic meetings and seminars market is steadily improving, starting with groups of 100-150 visitors, he said.
“Operators expect a weaker domestic market in the second quarter, but there are positive signs from the international market to help support business in June, mostly from Vietnam, Malaysia, and India,” Mr. Phisut said.
He believes that if the country declares Covid-19 an endemic disease and permits Pattaya nightclubs to reopen, the resort will draw more international visitors.
Small and medium-sized hoteliers reported roughly 60% occupancy this weekend, according to Wassana Srikkanchana, head of the Hua Hin-Cha Am Tourism Association.
The rate is lower than typical since families are planning their budgets for the new school term, which begins on May 17, and increasing living costs have harmed their purchasing power, according to her.
Mrs. Wassana said the organization plans to conduct a business-to-business event with tourism providers in Chiang Mai, led by the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, to develop a tourism interchange, in order to boost demand during the low season.