(Bloomberg) — Overseas vacationers might quickly discover Thailand a dearer vacation spot than previously two years with the nation now planning to lift lodge charges to pre-pandemic ranges to help a sooner restoration of the trade.

Thailand’s tourism ministry plans to ask lodge operators to implement a dual-tariff construction beneath which overseas guests could also be charged charges just like pre-pandemic days whereas locals might proceed to take pleasure in discounted charges, Traisuree Taisaranakul, a authorities spokeswoman stated in a press release on Wednesday .

“That is to take care of our requirements of charges and companies for overseas vacationers, which impacts the notion of the nation’s tourism model,” Traisuree stated. “Charges which have been decreased throughout Covid-19 will likely be maintained for Thais to maintain the momentum of home tourism.”

Motels in tourism hotspots akin to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui proceed to supply large reductions to attract again guests after the pandemic pushed room occupancy charges to about 30%.

Whereas there was no quick response to the proposal from lodge operators, the tourism ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will quickly maintain talks with the Resort Affiliation of Thailand in regards to the twin pricing plan, in accordance with Traisuree.

Whereas the Southeast Asian nation has scrapped all Covid-related journey restrictions, the tourism sector continues to be reeling from heavy losses collected through the pandemic. Thailand expects 9.3 million overseas arrivals this yr, a fraction of the 40 million vacationers it acquired in 2019.

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