Toughest times for Chiang Mai hotels

Tourism in the region is being held back by the economic crisis and the haze problem. Some airlines have reduced flights into Chiang Mai.

"For Chiang Mai, the toughest time for the hotel business is now. We hope things will get better next month, with the Songkran festival. However, business is likely to slow again from mid-April until October," Tarun said.

The dusitD2 Chiang Mai plans to add more marketing strategies and promotions to attract both local and overseas visitors.

The hotel plans to discount some room rates.

 It will also participate in a familiarisation tour aimed at attracting business travellers from Singapore and Malaysia at the end of this month. The hotel has other promotions aimed at business people from South Korea and Japan.

The hotel has also introduced a "Go Green" package offering 100 organic foods.

It also planned to hold a DJ party in June or July. Famous disk jockeys from Singapore have been signed for the party. The hotel is also planning an Asian chef competition.

Tarun said the hotel projected its average occupancy rate for the year would be 58 per cent, up from 52 per cent last year.