THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: One of Phuket’s largest resort operators, Laguna Resorts and Hotels, is predicting average occupancy for its properties could be down by as much as 25 percent in the second and third quarters of this year.

The average occupancy rate at Phuket’s largest resort complex fell 27 percent in the first quarter of this year to 65 percent, mostly as a result of cancellations last November when political protesters closed both Bangkok and some regional airports.

Debbie Dionysius, Laguna Phuket’s assistant vice president for destination marketing, said it had offered 100,000 free rooms earlier this year so occupancy rates were pretty high from January to March, however, revenue was down.

Ms Dionysius said “we have seen some positive signs such as the economy picking up.”

To try and stimulate the local economy it is initiating new marketing strategies and creating new events.

On June 14 more than 4,000 local and international runners are expected to compete in the fourth Laguna Phuket International Marathon and it is hoped the event will pump more than Bt30 million (about $US875,000) for the province.

Ms Dionysius said Laguna Phuket is also working with international schools in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore to organize activities and camping trips from June to September.

Phuket Tourism Association (PTA) vice president, Bhurit Maswongsa, said, “Phuket is already in the summer season, but occupancy rates will fall by about 30 percent to remain at between 30 to 35 percent.”

Mr Maswongsa said the current promotional offers were not enough to encourage tourists to return to Thailand following two rounds of political protests and he expected high season occupancy to be down 20 percent, to between 50 and 60 percent.

By John Le Fevre

Thailand Travel News for May 30, 2009