Chiang Mai Hit by Double Whammy !

Chiang Mai's Songkran 'Water Festival' dampened by economic downturn
CHIANG MAI, March 17 (TNA) - Tourism in Thailand’s holiday-oriented northern province of Chiang Mai is being impacted by a double crisis,a sagging economy and smog from forest fires both adding to a plunging hotel occupancy rate, according to the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association.

Association advisor Boonlert Buranupakorn said the global financial crisis has negatively impacted the tourism business in the province, and smog from continuing forest fires in parts of the northern provinces had driven the tourists away from Chiang Mai.

The average occupancy rate for Chiang Mai hotels during the mid-April Songkran festival has plunged to some 40 per cent compared to last year, he said.

Chiang Mai is a favoured location for experiencing Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year. Songkran’s water gentle water pouring -- often more vigorous splashing -- will be held at the ancient city moat.

Countrywide Songkran falls on April 13-15 this year. In Chiang Mai the festivities will be celebrated from April 11 to 16.

Mr. Boonlert said tourism business owners had increased their public relations activities by e-mailing tourism agencies worldwide to clarify that Thailand’s situation had returned to normal in order to attract tourists to the province again.

However, he asserted that even though tourism prospects are not bright, hoteliers have no plan to lay-off staff.

Instead, the hospitality industry will cut costs by reducing working days from 26 to 22 days per month to weather the economic crisis. (TNA)