The Thai Hotels Association (THA) – Eastern Chapter has reported a positive tourism outlook for Pattaya, Chonburi, forecasting a hotel occupancy rate of 80%-85% during the high season.

THA president Morakot Kuldirok was quoted by The Nation as saying that the city has experienced a strong increase in tourists from European countries, particularly from Russia, Germany, and the UK, with arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

He added that other parts of Chonburi such as Sriracha also experienced significant occupancy rates of 70%-80%, partly due to popular local attractions such as the Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

“The tourism industry will continue to grow if the government implements effective tourism stimulus policies,” Kuldirok noted, citing a rise in bookings made through online travel agency platforms.

He highlighted the need for government initiatives to sustain this growth, including extending the free visa policy and enabling e-tax receipts for tourism operators.

Kuldirok added: “We also urge the government to relaunch the Rao Tiew Duay Kan [We Travel Together] co-payment scheme after Songkran, from May to September, to stimulate tourism during the low season.”

The scheme can be introduced as early as 1 April to attract more tourists, he opined. 

The anticipated growth in Pattaya’s hotel occupancy rates is supported by increased international flights to U-Tapao International Airport.

For the low season, occupancy is projected to range between 50% and 60%, with the potential for further growth if tourism stimulus policies continue.

Room rates in Pattaya are expected to rise by 5%-10% year-on-year, with some high-performing hotels seeing increases of up to 20%.

“We expect Pattaya hotel room prices in 2025 to surpass those of 2019, before the pandemic,” he added.

Hotels leveraging online booking platforms have shown stronger performance compared to those relying on group tours, the association found.

The THA aims to enhance foreign arrivals by promoting Halal tourism to appeal to Muslim visitors.

Kuldirok noted that Chinese tourist numbers are unlikely to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, citing economic challenges and domestic tourism incentives in China.