Koh Phang Ngan Aims For More Sustainable Tourism

According to the Koh Phang Ngan Hotel and Tourism Association, the island is pushing for more sustainable tourism beyond its famous full moon party. Chantana Limsuwan, the association’s president, said the island wants to welcome 100,000 tourists this year as a result of the relaxation of travel restrictions. The Full Moon Party on April 16 and the Songkran holiday resulted in a hotel occupancy rate of 85–90 percent, the highest level since January.

According to Chantana, the usual hotel room rate during the Full Moon Party period prior to the pandemic was THB1,500 to THB2,000 baht per night. Rooms at Haad Rin’s seaside hotels cost between THB3,000 and THB4,000 baht. She notes that the revenue produced remains insufficient to meet wages and utility expenditures as a result of the increase in operating costs. After the Full Moon Party concluded, occupancy fell to 20%–30%, with accommodation prices falling to up to 50%.

The next Full Moon Party is scheduled for May 16, but Chantana said that partygoers are already booking short stays from 10 to 15 days to less than a month. Hotels servicing long-term digital nomads have already received 15–20% early reservations for May.

Beyond the Full Moon Party, authorities are currently in discussions with tourism businesses to see how more events might be added to keep visitors on the island. Chantana asserts that without them, guests will stay just a few nights on the island.

Koh Phang Ngan seeks to improve its image by adding new beach clubs and day lounges, as well as hosting more events at the famed Haad Rin beach. According to her, visitor safety would be a top priority at such gatherings and security officers will be on hand.

Chantana added that the island intends to capitalize on its spa facilities and a variety of outdoor sports like kiteboarding, sailing, hiking, and trail running.

Source: Bangkok Post

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