For Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan residents, the 16-18 of November will be designated as government-sanctioned vacations. As residents of Bangkok turn beyond the city for vacation getaways, this is good news for neighboring provinces like Chonburi. Pattaya, the capital of Chonburi, has seen a 70 percent increase in hotel bookings.
Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association adviser Sanphet Supphabawonsathien stated most Thais only travel to Chonburi on the weekends. Indians, Koreans, and Vietnamese make up the bulk of the weekday crowd. The tourism business in the East has been hurt hard by the spread of Covid, but the money brought in by the few tourists who do travel has helped much.
There will be a 60-70% increase in visitors during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, says Mr. Sanphet. He said Chonburi’s hotels are ready to welcome the guests. Some businesses are still struggling to find enough full-time employees, so they’ve turned to part-timers. Chonburi’s popular tourist spots are ready for a slew of extra tourists this week.
It has come to Mr. Sanphet’s attention that hotel bookings on Ko Lan Island, located off the coast of Pattaya, have increased this week. Similarly, Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has decked the halls in honor of the upcoming holidays.
