Thailand is gearing up for a much-anticipated long holiday period that is expected to set the stage for a significant surge in domestic tourism and hotel occupancy. Commencing on July 28 to celebrate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s birthday, the holiday extends until August 2, granting Thai travelers a window of leisure and celebration.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is optimistic about the holiday’s impact, with nearly 5 million trips anticipated from Thai travelers during this period. The influx of domestic tourists is projected to generate approximately 1.66 billion baht in tourism revenue, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s economy.
To further encourage domestic travel and leisure activities, the caretaker government declared July 31 as an additional public holiday, offering Thais more time to reconnect with their roots and explore various destinations across the nation.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn emphasized that the last-minute announcement of the extra holiday is likely to prompt many Thai travelers to opt for domestic trips over planning overseas excursions. The convenience and accessibility of domestic destinations, coupled with the allure of cultural celebrations, make it an attractive choice for holidaymakers. During this extended break, Thais are expected to embark on approximately 4.96 million trips, leading to an average hotel occupancy rate of around 63%.
Provinces in the central and northeastern regions are expected to witness the highest number of visitors, with hotels in the eastern region projecting up to 68% occupancy. However, the southern region might experience fewer visitors due to the temporary closure of several maritime national parks during the rainy season for safety reasons and to allow nature to recover.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce shares a positive outlook on the economic impact of the long weekend, estimating that approximately 5-7 billion baht will circulate during this period. Sanan Angubolkul, the chamber’s chairman, expressed confidence that the extra public holiday would generally benefit the country by encouraging domestic spending and supporting local businesses.
However, Sanan noted that some businesses might face additional costs, such as overtime payments for employees working during the holiday period. He suggested that the government could have announced the extra holiday earlier, providing businesses with ample time to plan and prepare for the surge in demand.
As the long holiday unfolds, Thailand eagerly anticipates the economic benefits that will arise from increased domestic tourism and hotel occupancy. With travelers exploring the diverse attractions the country has to offer, this festive period serves as a celebration of national unity and cultural pride while providing a much-needed boost to the hospitality and tourism sectors.
