PUBLISHED: 20 Dec 2024 at 06:26
Severe flooding in Surat Thani has drastically impacted hotel occupancy rates, with estimates showing a decline of 20-30% this month. The floods have disrupted over 90% of the provincial tourism industry, according to local reports.
Tourism operators are calling on the government to implement stimulus measures akin to the previous co-payment scheme introduced for northern regions, aimed at revitalizing revenue during what is supposed to be the high travel season.
Thiwat Chuenban, president of the local tourism council, noted that this month’s flooding marks one of the worst disasters in years, significantly obstructing transportation and inundating various businesses, hotels, and attractions, including the notable Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya.
Although conditions are improving, many hotels face challenges reopening fully due to extensive cleaning required, with many expected to return to service within a week.
Typically, December sees occupancy rates soar to 90%, yet hoteliers now predict a reduced rate of around 60% due to the ongoing flood situation.
“Such heavy rainfall in December is unusual as the monsoon season generally concludes in November,” Mr. Thiwat explained.
During the first ten months of 2023, Surat Thani welcomed 7.7 million visitors—a 27% increase from the previous year—generating 82.8 billion baht in revenue, a 21% rise compared to last year.
Mr. Thiwat confirmed that the council is planning a meeting with the provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee to discuss strategies for restoring tourism in time for the New Year holiday and the peak travel month of January.
He recommends that the government revive stimulus schemes—similar to the “Travel North Half-Half” program—aimed at rejuvenating the domestic market in the south, particularly for cross-regional tourism.
The government is also urged to expedite the revival of the “We Travel Together” initiative to bolster tourism, especially during peak travel times such as the upcoming Chinese New Year and Songkran celebrations.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry has recently announced initiatives to stimulate tourism, including promotions for certified homestays and local community tourism through the Tourism Department.
Additionally, the Physical Education Department is providing free Muay Thai classes to both domestic and international tourists at the National Stadium.
