Buzz
Despite the absence of Chinese tourists, Thailand's tourism industry is experiencing a robust recovery, thanks to the influx of potential Russian visitors.
Russian tourists swarm to Thailand, eager to explore its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Prior to Covid-19, Russian tourists were among the top source markets for Thailand's tourism sector. According to the Bangkok Post, since October, the number of Russian visitors to Thailand has surged dramatically.
This significant growth has raised concerns about airline overcrowding. Aviation operators in Pattaya report that charter flights to U-tapao International Airport have yet to operate at full capacity. Moreover, the airport is struggling to meet the soaring demand for travel, with its current capacity only half of what it was before 2019.
Russian tourists are avoiding crowds in Pattaya, opting for more secluded and serene experiences.
Thanet Supornsahasrangsi, Chairman of the Chonburi Tourism Association, shares that with sufficient load factors, flight frequencies will be increased.
Winter is the favored time for Russian tourists. They often opt for tropical beaches to escape the cold weather back home at the end of the year. Mr. Thanet mentioned that Russian guests have a habit of selecting 4-5 star hotels along the Pattaya coastline.
According to the Chairman of the Chonburi Tourism Association, Russian tourists are one of the four main markets for tourism operators in Pattaya, along with visitors from India, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Also according to the chairman, despite the absence of Chinese tourists, tourism in Thailand is still recovering rapidly due to the significant demand for leisure from Russian guests. Room bookings in December and January have increased by 80%, with the main group being Russian tourists.
Currently, some countries in Europe have restrictions on Russian tourists. Therefore, many people from this country choose to travel to Asian countries. Thailand is one of the top choices.
One of the reasons Thailand attracts international visitors is the hotel room prices, which are now almost 30-40% lower than before the pandemic, as travel companies still demand promotional prices to stimulate the market.
Mr. Thanet predicts that only Pattaya alone could welcome approximately 70,000 Russian visitors from December to March next year. This destination benefits greatly from the nearby tourism hub of Bangkok. The influx of Russian tourists to Bangkok is significant, with many opting for the Bangkok – Pattaya tour route.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, the number of Russian tourists reached a record high of 44,314 in October. This marks a 178% increase from September and a staggering 538% increase from July. At the beginning of the year, around 23,760 Russian visitors arrived in the Land of Smiles. April saw the lowest number of visitors, with only about 5,223 arrivals. In the first three months of 2023, the Ministry estimates that 377,472 Russian tourists will visit Thailand.
The outlook for this market remains positive as direct flights from Russia continue to operate from various cities to Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya through U-tapao Airport. Additionally, flights from Kazakhstan – Russia's neighboring country – have also seen a significant increase, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to the Bangkok Post.
Phuket Also Benefits
Bhumikitti Ruktaengam, Chairman of the Phuket Tourism Association, revealed that the recovery rate of the Russian market in Phuket in November reached 80% compared to 2019. This is attributed to the increased number of charter flights from Russia to Phuket and the national carrier Aeroflot's enhanced direct flights to this tropical island.
In terms of total arrivals over the 11-month period, the Russian market ranks second in Phuket, with India at the top spot and Australia in third position.
Mr. Bhumikitti also mentioned that Russian tourists tend to extend their stays when visiting Phuket, averaging 12-15 days.
Based on personal observation, Mr. Bhumikitti believes that tourists are willing to stay longer because the cost of living in Thailand is comparable to their home country, especially as energy and airfare prices rise.
The increase in tourists has led to a high demand for hotel bookings. Some hotels are overwhelmed with pre-booked guests, as only 80% of hotels in Phuket have reopened. Changes in the travel habits of Russian tourists have resulted in limited room supply.
Phuket is expected to welcome 4.7-4.8 million foreign visitors and 1.5-1.7 million domestic visitors this year. This figure is half of the total recorded in 2019.
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