Thai room rates expected to be flat

THAI hotel room rates for the next contractual period between November 2011 and March 2013 are expected to be frozen at the current levels.
The stronger baht, volatile economic situation in Europe and the political uncertainty in Thailand remain key challenges while higher airfares due to increased oil prices and a “green tax” for longhaul European departures could make matters worse, said tour operators.

LTU Asia managing director Raymond Honings said: “The stronger baht against the euro has made Thai hotel room rates and everything else in Thailand 25 per cent more expensive for the European market.”

Asian Trails CEO Luzi Matzig said a slew of new openings in Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket would also pressure Thai hoteliers to maintain rates.

Transorient Asia general manager Andre van der Marck expected hotels to keep rates at last seasons’ levels and to launch special deals during slow booking periods.

Thai hoteliers, however, said a slight inflation adjustment of three to five per cent would be tabled at the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 next week. Some hotels, on the other hand, said they were mulling lower rates in order to do away with special deals during the year.

By Sirima Eamtako

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