THE THAI Hotels Association (THA) is collaborating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a 1+1 tactical to help stimulate bookings from December 15 to January 15 following the flood crisis in the country.
THA president, Prakit Chinamourphong, said the scheme aims to jumpstart market interest and counter sluggish bookings for December. Hotels nationwide have reported seeing only 30 per cent in bookings compared to the usual 65 per cent to 70 per cent during this period.
He said the flooding that affected parts of the country had an impact on travellers’ confidence, and the special promotion would help stimulate interest. “We hope the 1+1 special promotion will generate 20-30 per cent extra business during the one-month promotional period,” Prakit said.
THA expects about 50 per cent of its hotel members – about 800 in total – to participate in the scheme. It is hoping to have all the detains in place by December 10. The promotion will be launched through TAT’s 26 overseas offices.
“Our key targets are FITs from shorthaul markets,” said Prakit.
In addition, THA will be proposing that the Thai government offer relief measures for hotels affected by the floods in the form of stimulus loans and tax incentives, among others.
By Sirima Eamtako
