Hotel body lobbying for global Thai-Tou

Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa will be asked to submit the seven-month measure for Cabinet approval.

The promotion will be aimed at attracting international tourists by offering special packages and benefits to all visitors during that period.

The special deal requires four continuous days of stay in a member hotel.

"The association would like the government to help by encouraging travel agencies across the world to push the campaign, but officials must award them Bt1,500 per tourist," Methee Tanmanatrakul, president of the THA's southern chapter, said yesterday.

The THA has projected the campaign would draw 2 million travellers during the low season and inject Bt36 billion in revenue into the industry, with Bt12 billion going directly to hotel operators.

Methee said he would also ask the government for Bt3 billion to subsidise tourist insurance.

THA president Prakit Chinamourpong said if the government did not respond within a month or two, the hotel industry would be facing its greatest threat ever.

"Ten to 15 per cent of the total tourism workforce, or 100,000-150,000 jobs could possibly be lost if the government cannot help," he said.

Earlier, the THA called on the government to provide financial assistance along with taxation measures.

The THA is asking the government to extend the visa-fee waiver for tourists and slash aircraft landing and parking fees at all international airports.

THA vice president Chareon Nutpobsook said small and medium-sized hotels in Bangkok were considering cutting staff to save on operating costs.

Many operators have already laid off workers, while others are offering unpaid leave.

"I've seen some hotels in Bangkok pare down their personnel. As a result, each employ is forced to work two or three additional jobs," he said.

Chanin Donavanik, an honorary adviser to the THA, said multiple threats like local political turmoil, increases in numbers of new hotels and the global economic crisis were hurting the tourism sector. The industry is now facing a tougher time.

Chanin, also the owner of Dusit International, said the hotel and resort chain was revising its cost management by grouping some units in one place, such as the Accounting Department.

It also plans to streamline catering operations by ordering instant food or ready-to-cook products from suppliers or supermarkets rather than sourcing fresh products from farms.

Bundarik Kusolvit, president of the THA's western chapter, said hotels could survive if they closed some unimportant units located on their premises and cut back service hours to control operating costs.

Prakit said bookings for the Songkran festival were reportedly down than last year.

Hotels in Chiang Mai and Phuket are expecting 20-30-per-cent fewer guests than last Songkran, while hotels in Bangkok are hoping for the same level.

Only 80 chartered flights bringing 20,000 holidaymakers will arrive during Songkran, down drastically from 200 flights and 50,000 visitors last year.