Thailand still a hot destination for package bookings

During the 12 months ending in the first quarter of this year, on average, the booking window of international travellers to Thailand stretched over a month (36 days), |with an average length of stay per booking at three days, according to a survey by |online travel company Expedia group.

Year-on-year growth shows top destinations in Thailand are Pattaya (up 70 per cent), Bangkok and Chiang Mai (up 60 per cent), Phuket (up 55 per cent) and Koh Samui (up 50 per cent).

Smaller regions on the rise with eye-catching triple-digit growth include Koh Lipe, Northeastern Thailand, Rayong, Trat and Hat Yai.

Data from the same period showed that package bookings generated a booking window more than 1.5 times as long as stand lone hotel bookings. In addition, cancellation rates of packages are also much lower compared with standalone bookings.

Top package-generating markets include Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and Japan.

“Delivering global demand for Thai hoteliers is a mission for us,” said Pimpawee Nopakitgumjorn, director of market management at Expedia group. “In particular, Expedia package bookings are attractive because they are a great way for hotels to build a strong base of customers without eroding their retail rates. Last year alone, we sold [more than] 7.1 million packages globally.”