Tourism operators on Koh Samui are urging the government to allow extended stays for European tourists as they believe the proposed visa exemption for Chinese visitors will not benefit the island.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said Chinese nationals account for only 10% of foreign tourists visiting the island. Foreign visitors to Samui are mainly independent tourists rather than large tour groups, as seen in other provinces.

Mr Ratchaporn said if the country targets high-spending tourists, it should enable a longer length of stay, ease the visa application process and ensure convenient travel.

He said the government should extend the period of eligibility to remain in the country from 30 days at present to 60-90 days for visitors from Europe, Israel and Australia.

Meanwhile, the most critical concern for the fourth quarter this year is a shortage of fresh water supplies on the island, said Mr Ratchaporn.

He said the underwater pipeline running between Surat Thani and the island has been unable to supply water to Koh Samui for several months.

Hotels and other service sectors face a higher cost burden when purchasing water from other sources.

Compared with 0.01 baht per litre in major cities, Samui's business operators pay 0.25 to 0.30 baht per litre for water supply from the municipal fresh water truck.

Bangkok Airways, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are jointly hosting a consumer fair at Siam Paragon until Sept 14.

With more tourists anticipated to visit the island, the water supply could become critical, especially during the first quarter of 2024, which is high season for Samui, said Mr Ratchaporn.

This situation also discouraged job seekers from taking up employment on the island because of the high cost of living, he said.

Mr Ratchaporn said the number of tourists visiting Samui is expected to reach 2.5 million this year, exceeding the tally in 2019.

Most hotels on the island have resumed their services, while more flights have returned to offer routes to Samui.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways, said the airline operated a maximum of 40 flights per day at Samui airport in August, with an average load factor of more than 80%.

As the airport is capable of managing 50 flights per day, there's still room to increase the number of flights to promote tourism on the island, he said.

Bangkok Airways, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are jointly holding "Wonder Islands Samui -- Phangan -- Tao End of Year Sale 2023" at Siam Paragon through Sept 14.

The event aims to attract Bangkok residents to the islands, with promotions on offer from hotels as well as discounts on airfares.

 

Bangkok Airways, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are jointly hosting a consumer fair at Siam Paragon until Sept 14.

 

 

 

Bangkok Airways