The year-end is coming, which can only mean one thing…. HOLIDAYS!
And if you’re still wondering where you should go, or worse, have yet to even think about it here’s some good news:
Disclaimer: I promise this is not an ad okay.
S’poreans Can Expect Cheaper Phuket Hotels Amidst Fall In Chinese Tourists Due To US Trade War
Yasss. Okay, this is good news for us, but maybe not for Chinese tourists.
Imagine blue skies and waters, chilling by the beach with a cool bottle of Chang beer.
Or maybe you’re not a beach person but your partner is. If so, there’s still lots of shopping, cafes and vibrant nightlife to look forward to in Phuket.
But if for some reason you still need even more convincing, get this:
Singaporeans can expect cheaper hotel prices in Phuket as the hotels have been forced to slash prices.
According to CNA, hotel rooms have been left vacant and beaches empty as there is a very potent fall in Chinese tourists.
The culprit? The US trade war and a stronger baht.
Phuket is located on the Andaman Sea and is known for its beaches and nightlife. It was the most visited place in the country last year after Bangkok.
Yup, Bangkok still tops Phuket.
Just so you can compare, in 2018, 2.2 million people visited the country but the number for January to September 2019 fell by almost 20%.
Patong Beach Hotel Owner Says He Had To Lower Prices By 50%
An owner of a hotel in the Patong Beach area said that there were fewer Chinese tourists who visited. In the past, Chinese tourists were present even during the low season.
He also added that he has had to slash prices by 50%.
Unfortunately, hotels are struggling to fill their rooms at the seaside resorts of Pattaya and Koh Samui Island.
US Trade War & Strong Thai Baht Are The Reasons
Trade tensions with the US are to blame, discouraging Chinese tourists from going on holidays when there is uncertainty at home.
The Thai baht has also risen a noticeable 10% against the yuan this year. Similarly, a boat accident that killed 47 Chinese tourists might have also created fear.
The situation is exacerbated by the 3,000 new hotel rooms that are currently being built on Phuket island.
Currently, hotels and tour operators are looking to other countries to make up the numbers, primarily Indian tourists. This is due to the burgeoning number of middle class in India and more direct flights to Phuket.
Or maybe they can look to Singaporeans like you and me. Time to start planning!
And by the way, my colleague once managed to book a room for less than SGD$10 a night on a weekend…and it’s located in the heart of the night market.
Now you know how cheap it can be.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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