Worldwide concerns with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to occupy much of our every waking moment. Our daily news cycles seem filled with ever more dramatic coverage. Here in Bangkok, a ripple of horror went around the sunloungers at the pool when one man calls out to his wife calming floating on her back:
“Honey, they’ve closed down Italy!”
This has us all reaching for our news feeds on our phones. Bugger! We are here to get away from it all, not to have our weekend hijacked by some tourist worried about their Venice trip. But then reality hits our semi-protected Bangkok bubble, this is monumental.
The Gods of Coronavirus continue their moody assault on the world.
Our global travel has now all but dried up. Several companies here in Bangkok are requesting their staff to cancel all non-essential travel out of Thailand. Which means we appear to be stuck in Thailand which is absolutely no hardship at all. We have great medical facilities here and we are making the most of enjoying an empty Thailand.
We are trying to keep calm and travel on!
THAILAND’S TOURISM IN CORONAVIRUS TIMES
As with all countries, Thailand’s response to the global pandemic is fluid and changing rapidly: Thailand in Covid-19 times.
Updates from the Department of Disease Control can be read HERE.
Tourism within Thailand is reported as being down by 44.3% On the ground here it feels higher, some high-end hotels occupancy rates are being quoted as being between 17-30%.
China accounted for 30% of Thailands travel revenue with reports visitors from China have reduced by 85.3%.
Change leads to opportunities and it will be interesting to see how Thai tourism reacts other than to cut prices.
OUR THAILAND TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Tours cancelled with no notice – Taxi drivers charging outrageous prices – Same old, same old with no thought to updating tours – Hotels doing well.
This is my summary of what I am seeing on the ground here in Thailand.
TOURS CANCELLED WITH NO NOTICE
When four of our party of seven Australian friends postponed their trip to Thailand due to coronavirus concerns, the tour company cancelled our Chiang Mai, Pai and Mae Hong Son tour with less than 48 hours notice.
We scrambled to rebook a tour that had been planned for six months.
It appeared they could not cope with the reduced numbers and our request to change the itinerary accordingly.
SAME OLD, SAME OLD
Our replacement tour company Pon Chiang Mai Private Tour stepped in at the last moment and provided a wonderful guide Jackie and a driver. We were eternally grateful, as we know they were for the business too. In addition, we had pre-booked 4 non-cancellable, non-refundable boutique hotel rooms which we offered to the guide and driver. Talk about Karma!
However, every tour company must reflect on what is now open and available and how to give tourists the best experiences. this will require changing the program.
A good example of this is the Baan Santichon Chinese Village at Yun Lai. This was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pai, now barely open and was just sad!
Photo credit: C Doublier
TIPS FOR TOUR COMPANIES
The challenge for Thai tour companies is to quickly move with the times, reorganise and offer new opportunities.
The travellers currently in Thailand are a new breed of tourist. They have either been living under a rock or who have assessed the risk of the Coronavirus and have decided to proceed. These some might say plucky, certainly, intrepid tourists, do not want to follow a well worn and sad path of attractions that are barely open
Today’s travellers are looking for new adventures, we want to get off the beaten track. We have chosen to continue our travel and in doing so are supporting Thailand’s decimated tourist economy. We are happy to be offering our Baht to support the local economy.
Tour companies need to adapt to this new breed of traveller and offer them an extraordinary service. Now is the time to be offering more altogether personalised service – ask tourists what they want and be flexible.
Use this time to develop new strategies, become less reliant on any one country, train up your staff do things differently see this as an extraordinary opportunity. Remain positive and love your tourists and travellers!
E-scooter tours with Expique
One example I have of a leading light of tour companies is Expique Tours Bangkok:
“Where there is a challenge, there is also a new opportunity! We are definitely feeling the impact of Covid-19 as there are fewer visitors coming to Bangkok at the moment. However, this also gives us time to develop new experiences and a lot of new content.” (Expique.com)
Click here for Tuk Tuk Tours – Market Tours – Market Experiences and Cooking Classes.
TIPS FOR TAXI DRIVERS
We know times are tough, and rip off taxi drivers are common in Bangkok but I’m hearing more tales of woe of taxi drivers refusing to drive on the meter and massively overcharging.
Who do they think they are kidding? Those tourists in Bangkok are currently mostly FIT free independent travellers! We will also tip for good service, a chat, a smile goes a long way. But we know a rip off taxi driver and it leaves a bad taste.SUGGESTION: Make it compulsory to use the meter. No one believes traffic is bad, there is no-one in Bangkok!
Photo Credit: C Doublier
TIPS FOR HOTEL COMPANIES
In my experience hotels are doing better at coping with this situation than the tour companies. Here in Bangkok, we are just beginning to see the start of some hotels using this time to close for renovations. There is quite a price war going on and many bargains to be had if you can shop around.
Turn concern into care, turn fear into fun!
- With the sad demise of the tourist, now is the time again for personalised attention. Shower these tourists with love, upgrades and all the little extras that they will remember.
- Low occupancy means you have loyal staff available. Use those staff to give each and every guest an unforgettable experience.
- Nurture and care for your Guests so they turn into Ambassadors for your hotels. With an extraordinary, not wanting to leave the experience, they will do your best word of mouth marketing for you.
- Energise the team so they all understand that this is the chance to do things differently so they don’t just sit around on their mobile phone but instead commit themselves to make an unforgettable stay for their guests.
- Remember this Coronavirus is heightening everyone’s emotions – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Here in Bangkok go all out for the staycation market, your local families and Expat groups are in need of a getaway escape and where better than a local staycation.
Photo credit: C Doublier
Communicate actions!
Make sure you tell us, how you are keeping us safe and what you are doing to ensure you are being flexible with our change of holiday plans
Some great examples I have come across are:
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin (love this hotel and their attitude towards guests)
‘I am reaching out on behalf of the entire Hyatt family to assure you that in times of uncertainty surrounding travel, your safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority.
We understand that you may be experiencing stress given the rapidly changing information on travel restrictions and cancelled or postponed public events. We want you to know that we are monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely, keeping those who are affected in our hearts, and are listening carefully to the questions and concerns we receive from guests such as yourself.
Inspired by Hyatt’s purpose – we care for people so they can be their best – I would like to share a few updates that might help as you consider your next visit….”
They then outline how we can be
Confident in their care – Flexible with our travel plans – Committed to inclusion and respect.
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin
FINAL WORDS:
Intrepid travellers need intrepid tour companies and guide listen and understand, change the way they offer their services chance to show people the authentic that, natural hidden Thailand
All experiences are heightened as you travel in Coronavirus times and like the plucky travellers, the plucky Tour Companies and hoteliers will do well.
Update: April 2020
Our current situation finds no incoming flights in Thailand, a Government request that we stay home and practice social distancing, all shopping malls, hairdressers, gyms, parks are closed. Restaurants are open for take away food only.
Dan about Thailand takes a look at the current situation and gives his opinion as to What will Thailand look like post-Covid-19.
3 comments
Yes, it’s weird all over with things closing down suddenly. Stay well.
Hello, it is sad, people are having to cancel their trips. I assume the economy will be hit, no one is going anywhere to spend money. Take care and stay well. Wishing you a great new week!
No traveling for now. I Hope you are well and stay safe.