Latest news with #TourismAuthority
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
A golden visa rescue plan
Needing a boost: Thailand's Tourism Authority lowered its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 to 35 million from 40 million, with Chinese visitors falling short of projections due to safety concerns. — AFP Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggested the country create a golden visa scheme for wealthy foreigners to become long-term residents to boost the kingdom's sluggish economy. The golden visa scheme could potentially bring in the equivalent of Thailand's US$500bil (RM2.12 trillion) economy, Thaksin said in a speech at the 'Unlocking Thailand's Future' conference in Bangkok. He suggested the country could attract 600,000 people who would deposit US$1mil (RM4.24mil) apiece for the visa. In return, they'd get rights to buy property in Thailand, helping the real estate sector, with the proceeds to fund education for Thai people. 'It will drive GDP growth, reduce public debt, spur domestic consumption,' Thaksin said. 'It's new, fresh money, and so worth pursuing.' Thaksin retains significant influence with policymakers through the ruling Pheu Thai party, helmed by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, despite having no formal title in the government. His speech to business people on how to invigorate growth comes after the Constitutional Court recently suspended Paetongtarn as prime minister while it deliberates on an alleged ethics violation case involving her handling of a border dispute. Thaksin has his own legal troubles, including a decade-old royal defamation case that is due to be ruled on next month. He remains confident he will be found innocent, he told the seminar. Thailand's economy, which relies heavily on exports and tourism, has expanded at an average of under 2% over the past decade, trailing other major South-East Asian economies. Gross domestic product will likely grow 1.3% to 2.3% in 2025, constrained by high household debt and slowing tourist arrivals, while the economy is also at risk of a 36% tariff from the United States, its largest export market. Earlier this week, Thailand's Tourism Authority lowered its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 to 35 million from 40 million, with Chinese visitors falling short of projections. Only 2.3 million Chinese visitors came to Thailand in the first half of 2025, compared with 3.4 million a year earlier, according to government data. News of a Chinese actor's kidnapping to Myanmar through Thailand increased safety concerns, said Thaksin, who suggested that he would personally insure any Chinese travellers to Thailand in order to win their confidence. — Bloomberg
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The best island for affordable luxury REVEALED - with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
There's nothing like a far-flung island to get you dreaming of breaking free from day-to-day life. And now, the very best islands for a dream holiday have been revealed – amid a huge rise in global interest for some island escapism. In its first-ever 'island hot list', Expedia – a global online travel platform – has found exotic destinations for all sorts of interests, whether holidaymakers are looking to soak up the sun, catch some surf or eat their way around. The results are 'based on verified data and traveller insights', according to the travel giant. Koh Samui, a tropical island in southern Thailand, was named best for affordable luxury. Expedia said it has seen a 55 per cent jump in people searching for the island – which they've dubbed the 'wellness island of the east' – year-on-year, attracting visitors for yoga retreats, detox programmes and 'beachside spirituality'. At the same time, it maintains its reputation for nightlife and natural beauty, it added. Narin Tijayang, former executive director of Koh Samui Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said that being selected was a 'testament to the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of our island'. The island of Aruba in the Caribbean was ranked top for year-round sunshine A Dutch island in the Caribbean was ranked top for year-round sunshine. The arid landscapes of Aruba, home to biking trails and eco-friendly stays, come first for those looking to top up their tan. It 'blends outdoor adventure with relaxed Caribbean vibes', says Expedia. The lush landscapes, rice terraces and 'spiritual atmosphere' of Bali helped it be named the best island for relaxation. Like Aruba, the Indonesian island has seen a 15 per cent growth in search interest. Food lovers should book a break to Sardinia, which has seen a boom in agritourism and immersive experiences – including plenty of opportunities to eat like a local. The 'Blue Zone', known for its high concentration of centenarians and healthy lifestyle, continues to draw wellness seekers, as does its rugged coastline and hilltop villages. Partyseekers are being advised to put Paros on their go-to list. Expedia 2025 island hot list Aruba (best for tear-round Sunshine) Bali, Indonesia (best for relaxation) Dominican Republic (best for adventure) Fiji (best for community) Jamaica (best for culture) Koh Samui, Thailand (best for affordable luxury) Maldives (best for romance) Oahu, Hawaii (best for surfing) Paros, Greece (best for nightlife) Sardinia, Italy (best for food lovers) Santorini and Mykonos remain popular, Paros is emerging as the Cycladic gem to watch. 'A rising design scene, low-key luxury stays, and its charming port towns make it ideal for travellers looking for serenity with soul,' says Expedia. The Expedia Island Hot List was created by analysing a number of factors, including the firm's travel data, accommodation rates and quality (based on real traveller reviews). Accessibility, air connectivity, weather and seasonality, tourism appeal, and traveller safety and inclusivity – as informed by travel advisories and traveller sentiment – were also considered. The research showed a soaring interest in islands for Brits. At the top of the list are Jersey (+75 per cent), Crete, Greece (+50 per cent), Mauritius (+50 per cent), Malta (+55 per cent), and Madeira, Portugal (+65 per cent). 'Powered by real traveller data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travellers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,' says Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Expedia Group brands. 'Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access. To get that, our top tips are to travel out of season when average stay prices can fluctuate by as much as 50 per cent and bundle flights and hotels together, where you can knock nearly £160 on average off your trip.'
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand eyes Middle East market to make up for Chinese tourists
Thailand aims to boost tourist arrivals and spending from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to help offset declining revenue largely caused by a drop in visitors from China. 'The Middle East market is a supporting factor helping to boost tourism revenue as it currently has a growth of about 17% to 18%,' Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatpaibool said on Monday. 'We need to increase the volume of arrivals from the Middle East and airlines.' The Tourism Authority lowered its 2025 foreign arrival forecast to 35 million, down from 40 million, due to weaker-than-expected Chinese tourism. Total revenue is projected at about 2.8 trillion baht ($86 billion), consisting of 1.6 trillion baht from foreign visitors and the rest coming from domestic travellers. China sent 2.3 million visitors to Thailand in the first half of 2025, down from 3.4 million a year earlier, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The decline is linked to safety concerns. News of Chinese actor Wang Xing's kidnapping to Myanmar through Thailand and his subsequent rescue prompted a wave of Lunar New Year trip cancellations by mainland travellers. Attracting Chinese tourists remains a priority, but the agency is also targeting other markets, Ms Thapanee said. Oceania and Southeast Asia are seen as pivotal for boosting demand and offsetting the drop in Chinese visitors. In 2026, the agency plans a 'value over volume' strategy, aiming for a 7% revenue increase by attracting higher-spending tourists with a lower environmental impact, Ms Thapanee said. The tourism industry makes up about 12% of Thailand's gross domestic product. Year-to-date tourist arrivals to Thailand totalled 17.2 million as of July 6, down 5.1% from the same period a year ago. Tourism generated 794.7 billion baht of revenue in the period, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Thailand eyes Middle East market to make up for Chinese tourists
[BANGKOK] Thailand aims to boost tourist arrivals and spending from the Middle East and South-east Asia to help offset declining revenue largely caused by a drop in visitors from China. 'The Middle East market is a supporting factor helping to boost tourism revenue as it currently has a growth of about 17 per cent to 18 per cent,' Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Khiatpaibool said on Monday (Jul 14). 'We need to increase the volume of arrivals from the Middle East and airlines.' The Tourism Authority lowered its 2025 foreign arrival forecast to 35 million, down from 40 million, due to weaker-than-expected Chinese tourism. Total revenue is projected at about 2.8 trillion baht (S$111 billion), consisting of 1.6 trillion baht from foreign visitors and the rest coming from domestic travellers. China sent 2.3 million visitors to Thailand in the first half of 2025, down from 3.4 million a year earlier, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The decline is linked to safety concerns. News of Chinese actor Wang Xing's kidnapping to Myanmar through Thailand and his subsequent rescue prompted a wave of Chinese New Year trip cancellations by mainland travellers. Attracting Chinese tourists remains a priority, but the agency is also targeting other markets, Thapanee said. Oceania and South-east Asia are seen as pivotal for boosting demand and offsetting the drop in Chinese visitors. In 2026, the agency plans a 'value over volume' strategy, aiming for a 7 per cent revenue increase by attracting higher-spending tourists with a lower environmental impact, Thapanee said. The tourism industry makes up about 12 per cent of Thailand's gross domestic product. Year-to-date tourist arrivals to Thailand totalled 17.2 million as of Jul 6, down 5.1 per cent from the same period a year ago. Tourism generated 794.7 billion baht of revenue in the period, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. BLOOMBERG
Skift
02-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hyatt Plans 90 Asia Pacific Hotels Over 5 Years
HVS Anarock's latest report shows a rare downturn in India's hotel business in May, most likely due to the short battle with Pakistan. RevPAR for hotels in May was down by over 20% from April, according to the latest data from HVS Anarock. Occupancy was down to 58%-60% in May, a year-over-year drop as well. Room rates were still up 6%-8% compared to May 2024, increasing RevPAR by 4%-6%. As for the occupancy decline year-over-year, there is a lot more supply, and it will continue to increase. In the first five months of the year, over 5,300 branded keys came online, up 46% over last year. We will see if there is a bounce back in June. Thailand hotel operators are seeing delays in the approval process for the initial phase of the 1.7 billion baht co-payment scheme, while online travel agents are offering prices lower than those under the government's subsidy. The scheme is aimed at local tourists and opened for registration for the public on July 1. Only 2,000 hotels were reported by the Thai Hotels Association to have registered for it. The Tourism Authority of Thailand said there were numerous technical issues on the first day of registration. Given what is going on with the Prime Minister now being suspended, it is pretty safe to say that hotels have other things to worry about, given the slowdown in visitation and no signs that anything will change, given the political turmoil. Asia's branded residences market was reported to have reached a valuation of US$30.7 billion, a high for the region. The sector currently encompasses 38,893 units spread across 178 active projects available for sale. Thailand has emerged as the frontrunner in the market, with 18% of the total market share in Asia. The Philippines is second at 12%, with South Korea at 11%. Vietnam accounts for 41% of the pipeline of 28,460 units across 105 projects that have yet to be released for sale. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans to expand its luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio across Asia Pacific with a pipeline of close to 90 properties expected to open over the next five years. The strategic growth includes the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in the region alongside significant new entries and expansion for Andaz, The Standard, and Park Hyatt brands in sought-after destinations, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia, in 2025 and 2026. Hyatt has doubled the number of luxury rooms since 2017, tripled its resort rooms, and grown lifestyle rooms five-fold globally. As of the end of 1Q25, 64% of Hyatt's Asia Pacific hotels are in the luxury and upper-upscale segments. The Thompson Hotels brand will be welcomed to Asia Pacific in the fourth quarter of this year with the Thompson Shanghai Expo. Andaz will continue to expand with Andaz Gold Coast, Andaz One Bangkok, and Andaz Shanghai ITC, while the Park Hyatt brand will debut in Malaysia with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur next month and the first Park Hyatt resort in Vietnam in 1Q26, the Park Hyatt Phu Quoc. Hilton announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Bali with Indonesian property developer PT Balibuana Perkasa. The luxury hotel will open in late 2027 along Sawangan Beach. This will be the developer's second property with Hilton, following the Hilton Bali Resort. This will join Hilton's existing portfolio of 16 operating and 12 pipeline hotels and resorts across Indonesia. The Waldorf Astoria Bali will have 71 expansive villas and 68 guest suites, multiple distinctive dining destinations, including the brand's signature Peacock Alley. Wellness experiences will include a spa, fitness center, and swimming pools overlooking the Indian Ocean. There will be 748 square meters of event space, including a 465-square-meter ballroom. Pacifica Hotels G.K. subsidiary Karasuma Hospitality G.K., and Taisei Yuraku Real Estate Co. Ltd. signed a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts to rebrand a 103-room hotel in a prime Kyoto location to IHG's new midscale brand, Garner. The Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will open this coming November following an extensive interior renovation of the existing property. This will be the first Garner hotel in Kyoto and the fourth in Japan. IHG's Six Senses brand signed a hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to introduce Six Senses Bangkok as part of Hatai, a mixed-use development on the site of the Narai Hotel in the heart of Silom. The Six Senses Bangkok will have around 100 rooms and suites, including a 700-square-meter suite. There will be a rooftop pool, and the main restaurant will connect to a sky lobby via a sky garden. Guests can expect integrated wellness offerings with the Six Senses Spa Bangkok. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas announced the debut of its reimagined Beach Pool Villas, setting a new benchmark in beachfront luxury. Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore launched the three-story mall Weave, opening on July 1. The lifestyle and community enclave spans 20,000 square meters and houses almost 40 tenants, but not all have moved in yet. This is part of the largest $6.8 billion Resorts World Sentosa expansion plan. Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) signed a long-term Green Loan agreement worth THB7,904 million with Krungthai Bank. The Green Loan will be used for the development of the ultra-luxury flagship project, Hotel Plaza Athénée Nobu New York, located in the heart of Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side. The Hotel Plaza Athénée Nobu New York is a collaboration between AWC and Nobu Hospitality. TFE Hotels has officially launched its premium extended-stay brand, A by Adina, in Europe, marking a major milestone in the company's expansion strategy. The first European property, A by Adina Vienna Danube, opens in Austria's capital, offering a new level of luxury in apartment-style accommodations that combine independence with high-end hotel services. The European debut of A by Adina comes as TFE Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across the continent through its established Adina Hotels brand and its tech-enabled concept, MM:NT. A by Adina Vienna Danube delivers a gym, a yoga studio, a private heated infinity pool, a member-exclusive wellness area that includes saunas and an infrared cabin, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
