Hoteliers have expressed concerns about the government's plan to set dual pricing for foreign tourists and locals, saying the move is impractical.
On Wednesday, a government spokesperson said hoteliers will be asked to use a dual-pricing structure under which foreign tourists will be charged pre-pandemic prices, while discounted rates are maintained for locals.
The idea is impractical as room rates shift dynamically based on market conditions, said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association.
If demand increases to support hotel occupancy, then the rates will automatically increase, said Mrs Marisa.
In addition to a tourism plan for the international market, the government can create domestic campaigns with the association to offer special prices for Thais and increase domestic trips, she said.
The president of the Thai Hotels Association's southern chapter said it is common for hotels to offer discounted rates for Thai residents and normal rates for foreign visitors, but hoteliers cannot raise the prices to 2019 levels because demand is too weak.
The current room rates in Phuket are still 30-40% lower than rates in 2019 and a full recovery is not expected in the upcoming high season, he said.
Half of the hotels on the island remain closed, while the volume of tourists has rebounded to only 30% of the pre-Covid level, he said.
The president of the Tourism Council of Krabi said dual-pricing could create a negative tourism image because everyone needs to be treated equally and clear communication is essential.
