Hotels target Thai guests as foreign tourism slumps

Despite the Thai tourism sector facing a hiccup, Koko Global Hospitality (Thailand) Co Ltd (KGH), a local hospitality management firm and operator of the hotel chain Kokotel, sees an opportunity with domestic travellers as it looks to expand its portfolio.

- KUAKUL MORNKUM

Rei Matsuda, founder and chief executive of KGH, said the market environment is quieter than expected during the low season.

He said he hopes the sector will recover at year-end when the high season returns.

From Jan 1 to June 8, Thailand welcomed more than 15 million foreign visitors, a 2.87% drop year-on-year, with Malaysia crowned the top source market, and China dropping to No.2, according to the Economic Tourism and Sports Division of the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Chinese visitors account for roughly 15% of hotel guests, and the company has identified visitors from India and the Middle East as growing markets, said Mr Matsuda.

However, KGH does not rely on any particular nationality, he said.