Call for action to boost weak travel industry

Tourism has been hit by events this year

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Tourism operators and airlines are urging the government to restore border stability and improve confidence, as recent incidents have the potential to reduce the average occupancy rate in Thai hotels by more than 10% year-on-year.

"Thailand gives the appearance of strong political instability and tension within the region, primarily with Cambodia," said Bill Heinecke, chairman of Minor International.

Speaking at a session titled “Beyond Recovery: Transforming Thailand’s Tourism for a Sustainable and High-Value Future” at Thailand Focus 2025, Mr Heinecke said that since border clashes started last month, Minor hotels in Thailand have recorded fewer foreign tourists, including from the US, which issued a travel warning for Thailand.

The company’s two hotels in Cambodia also posted plummeting occupancy rates, he said.