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Thailand: ASQ hotels appreciate relaxation of travel rules
Alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facilities in Thailand are upbeat about the latest relaxation of travel restrictions, which allow citizens of 56 countries to visit Thailand without a visa requirement, as it might increase demand for the 122 quarantine facilities nationwide.
Prin Pathanatham, president of ASQ Club Thailand, said easing of rules, such as visa exemptions, will facilitate tourism and shorten the process for visiting the country. It could help attract a flow of international arrivals to Thailand, said Mr Prin.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration approved lifting visa requirements for tourists from 56 countries, such as the US, France and Australia. The body also plans to reduce the quarantine period to 10 days in mid-January.
He said a shorter quarantine should enable more Thais to make outbound trips, which is the first step in steadying the international market.
However, if foreign travellers have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival when they return home, tourism demand may not improve, said Mr Prin.
“The plan to reopen has to be weighed given the ongoing situation in the country, and in terms of the policies and reopening strategies of our competitors. For example, Bali plans to welcome foreign travellers soon,” he said.
Even though the special tourist visa (STV) was recently made available to tourists from all countries, broadening from travellers from low-risk countries, it will take some time for foreign visitors to return, said Mr Prin. The situation should become clearer in January, he said.
There are many requirements and conditions for tourists applying for a STV, so the visa scheme might not lead to a large increase in arrivals, said Mr Prin.
The average occupancy rate at ASQ hotels in December before Christmas peaked at 9,000 rooms per day earlier this month, up from 7,500-8,000 rooms per day earlier in the scheme.
He said guests want to complete their mandatory quarantine before Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, it is hard to estimate the outlook from forward bookings in January, said Mr Prin.
ASQ facilities in Bangkok can handle more tourists and the club expects room capacity to reach 10,000 per day, following the easing of entry and quarantine rules.
Mr Prin, who is also executive assistant manager of Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, which joined the ASQ scheme, said the 280-room facility should register 75-80% occupancy rate in December. The hotel has been booked through April next year.
The ASQ Club Thailand has 119 members, with an inventory of rooms from club members of 15,000 units.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2038639/asq-hotels-appreciate-relaxation-of-travel-rules