nation
By Suchat Sritama
Published on December 19, 2008
THAI cuts fuel surcharges, offers cheaper fares for festive season
Sixteen boutique hotels across the country have jointly launched a promotion offering a uniform rate of Bt2,000 per head, to spur the nation's tourism spending.
From today,
Thai Airways International (
THAI) will cut its fuel surcharges on most international routes by 40 per cent, while the new fuel surcharge on
THAI's domestic routes will be Bt400 instead of the current Bt700 per flight, excluding Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son which has a Bt200-per-sector charge.
Participating in the one-price campaign are the Burasari Resort and the Dhevan Dara Resort and Spa in Phuket; Shanghai Mansion in Bangkok; Fondcome Village Resort in Chiang Mai; Haven in Hua Hin; and Away Resorts at Koh Kood, Chumphon, Chiang Mai, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Samui.
The campaign, in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of
Thailand (TAT), is aimed at restoring tourist confidence and encouraging them to return to the country.
The "one price" offer is good at any location of the participating hotels. In addition, some hotels have cut their room rates 50 per cent off the standard price.
Hotel operators are hard hit from fewer tourist arrivals after the temporary closure of Suvarnabhumi and
Don Mueang airports more than three weeks ago.
In addition to the single-price offer, guests booking a room can also receive a complimentary two-way transfer service from the airport to the hotel and back, plus breakfast and dinner coupons.
Booking for the one-price promotion can be made until next February 28 for use by June 30.
Meanwhile,
THAI yesterday introduced its new "Happy All the Way" promotion - privileged airfares on
THAI economy domestic flights - in celebration of the holiday season from now until January 31.
The promotion offers special domestic fares, such as Bt985 for a one-way economy-class ticket between Bangkok and Phitsanulok and Bt1,160 for one-way economy between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Pandit Chanapai, executive vice president for commercial operations, said it had really been a rough year for the nation's tourism.
"We hope the special fares will spur domestic travel and encourage more travelling around
Thailand," he said.
Narongsak Sangapong, executive vice president of
THAI's Corporate Secretariat and acting president of the airline, said for the New Year's holiday period, the airline had increase flights between December 6 and January 4.
The airline has increased flight frequencies and changed to larger aircraft types on flights to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Krabi. There has been an increase of 29 flights with an additional 12,036 seats.
