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Tourism-related businesses in Pattaya feeling the pinch

Despite it being the tourism high season, Thailand’s beach resort city of Pattaya is quiet, affected by the world economic slowdown and the country’s recent political turmoil. Entrepreneurs of tourism-related businesses are waiting for agencies concerned to help revive the travel sector. About 30 empty beach chairs currently represent the family business of Wanna Rawiwan, a business now more than 20 years old. She said tourism in Pattaya had been stagnant for about a month. Less than 10 tour groups from East Asia have come to this resort beach, much lower than in December 2007 when about 100 tour groups visited Pattaya. Almost 1,000 beach chair business owners are facing a loss in what they say is the most sluggish time in ten years.

“I have a lot of expenses. I have five boats and have to pay 10,000 baht per month for boat parking/docking and that excludes the wages of my workers. My daily income is less than my expenses,” said Wanna Rawiwan, Beach chair business owner.

“The oil price has dropped but it doesn’t help me when there are no tourists. During the high season, we normally earn a good income. Now, we earn nothing,” said Nikon Kaewsrikram, a boat rider.

Around six million foreign tourists visit Pattaya yearly, generating an approximate annual income of 60 billion baht. So far, the number of tourists from Russia, Germany, and England has dropped by half. Korean tourists have decreased to only five per cent while all Chinese tourists cancelled their trips.

The government and private sector have come up with short –term measures to revive tourism in the city.

Pattaya Countdown 2009 is a major event being held for seven consecutive nights to encourage Thais to stay in Thailand for their holiday and also to attract worldwide tourists to again visit this beach resort town.

“Foreign tourists are the main target group of Pattaya City and I think Pattaya should play a role in helping boost Thailand’s economy, so we need to organise a world-class event like this to attract tourists and restore their confidence,” said Itthiphol Kunplome, the Mayor of the Pattaya City

Mr. Itthiphol said the event premises could handle 70,000 people daily, thus he expects the Pattaya Countdown 2009 festival to attract round 500,000 visitors over its seven night period.

In Pattaya, there are around 70,000 hotel rooms and to revive tourism even more, Pattaya City is encouraging hotel entrepreneurs to discount their rates by at least 20 percent. The event alone is expected to generate at least 500-800 million baht.

Mr. Ittiphol assured tourists don’t have to worry about security as measures are tight with checkpoints manned by more than 2,000 police and volunteers.

“Oh it’s very good. It’s a fantastic festival. I like the show. This is my first day here, first time here. I like it so much,” said a tourist.

For those who have yet to decide where to celebrate the coming new year, Pattaya could perhaps be your best choice on the list.

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