CHIANG MAI’s travel trade will be launching a Chiang Mai Grand Sale campaign, with different discounts on offer, to boost business during the May to October low season.
Sarawut Saetiao, president of the Chiangmai Tourism Business Association (CTBA), said he hoped the six-month campaign would fill 50 per cent of available hotel rooms, which normally run at about 20 to 30 per cent occupancy during the period.
The campaign will kick off with the third Chiang Mai Golf Festival from May 1 to June 30. An 800-baht (US$27) daily green fee will be offered at 14 golf courses in Chiang Mai and nearby Chiang Rai and Lamphun provinces.
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Chiang Mai office director, Chalermsak Suranant, said the number of participants and revenue generated from the festival are expected to grow by 15 per cent this year, up from 45,000 golfers and more than 120 million baht last year.
The local travel trade is also preparing to stage a food fair in July, a spa festival in August and two other events in September and October.
Meanwhile, Chiang Mai is set to participate in TAT’s nationwide Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011 from June 15 to August 15. During this period, tourist attractions, shopping malls, shops, spas, hotels and restaurants in seven participating cities – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samui, Phuket, and Had Yai – will be offering discounts from 10 to 80 per cent.
By Sirima Eamtako
