Free hotel rooms offered

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization and Pattaya City are investing 17 million Baht in the “Pattaya Be Our Guest” campaign that runs through July.

The campaign offers 20,000 free room nights and 30% to 80% discounts all over the city. The objective is to revive tourism growth in Pattaya tourism by at least 40% after occupancy dropped to 20%. Pattaya visitors also have a chance to win 20,000 free room nights if they register for the campaign through www.pattaya.go.th.

The announcement was held at Pattaya City Hall was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart, who assured residents working in tourism “not to panic” because the A H1N1 flu was under control and the government had drawn up a plan to revive tourism business in Pattaya.

Pattaya City Mayor, Itthiphol Kunplome, explained, “We are dealing with the flu scare correctly, and have a medical center at Banglamung to take care of any patients. We also have a call centre at 1337 open 24 hours. Pattaya welcomes tourist and when they come they will want to return.”

Mayor Kunplome admitted occupancy had slumped to 20% from the previous 40% after flu cases were reported at the resort. Meetings were cancelled, but this month’s Pattaya Marathon reports healthy registrations for all categories, he said.

According to Mayor Kunplome, during low season Pattaya generates tourism revenue of around 1,000 million Baht and 30,000 million Baht to 40,000 million Baht during the high season.