HOTELIERS are expecting a more modest Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 in Chiang Mai starting in November compared to its debut in 2006, which saw more than three million visitors.
Chiang Mai hoteliers interviewed by TTG Asia e-Daily did not see the same high turnout as the first run of the international horticultural exposition. However, they said hotels could be running high occupancy during the 99-day event, from November 9 to February 15 next year. Chiang Mai hotels normally record 60 per cent to 70 per cent occupancy between November and February, according to the hoteliers.
According to The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel Chiang Mai general manager Praphan Kodpet, all seven hotels in Chiang Mai under The Imperial Hotels and Resorts, from budget to upper mid-scale categories, should run at peak average occupancy rate.
Holiday Inn Chiang Mai general manager Simon Douthett also thinks that their hotel will run higher than its normal high-season occupancy of about 70 per cent.
The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 is being organised with an estimated 800 million baht (US$26.5 million) budget at the 80-hectare Royal Park Ratchaphreuk in Chiang Mai to mark three auspicious royal celebrations: the 84th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej; the 80th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit; and the 60th birthday anniversary of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
By Sirima Eamtako
