The tourism sector is gearing up for an influx of foreign visitors as Chiang Mai Airport prepares to operate round-the-clock from November. This move is expected to open up the northern region to more international tourists arriving on direct flights.
Sittipong Wongsomboon, general manager of Northern Smile Travel, stated that the average hotel occupancy rate for September had dipped to 30-35% from 70-80% in August, due to the slow period for tourism. He noted that the Chiang Mai market had adapted to target independent travellers post-pandemic, with several hotels adjusting their strategies to secure better room rates despite the reduced number of tourists.
Sittipong, who also founded the Hotels in Chiang Mai group, revealed that around 35 boutique hotels located in central Chiang Mai and related businesses had joined forces to enhance their…
