Veranda Resort Public Company Limited, or VRANDA, has reported a continuous improvement in demand from foreign tourists traveling to Thailand. Tourists from India, Malaysia, and Singapore are returning in large numbers following the reopening of the country, leading to a surge in occupancy rates at Veranda Samui and SO Bangkok.

With the announcement to abolish the Thailand Pass system effective July 1, 2022, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) actively promoting travel to Thailand, the tourism market is expected to rebound strongly. The government's initiative to expand the 'We Travel Together' program Phase 4 by adding 1.5 million more rights is also creating momentum for the Thai tourism market, instilling confidence for a robust recovery this year.

Mr. Veerawat Ongwasit, CEO of Veranda Resort Public Company Limited, stated that Thailand's tourism situation is showing a strong recovery, with foreign tourists from countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA returning as the Thai government has reopened the country and the TAT focuses on promoting travel to Thailand. Recently, the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the cancellation of the Thailand Pass system and the requirement for foreign tourists to have health insurance, effective from July 1, 2022. Tourists are now only required to show proof of vaccination (Certificate of Vaccination) or a negative COVID-19 test result, which will significantly benefit the tourism market.

Additionally, there are positive signals supporting Thailand's tourism industry as China has begun to relax its entry travel restrictions, reducing the quarantine period to 7 days and allowing 3 days of health checks at home. This change follows previous adjustments from 21 days to 14 days in government-designated quarantine facilities, which is expected to lead to an increase in Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand. The Chinese tourist market is considered a key market for Thailand, having recorded the highest number of arrivals in 2019.

Overall, the hotel and resort business of the company has also started to recover rapidly since May, with continuous improvements in booking rates as policies have gradually relaxed. Destinations favored by foreign tourists, such as Veranda Collection Samui and SO Bangkok, are highly anticipated by returning visitors, leading to an expected occupancy rate increase to 80% at Veranda Collection Samui - Rocky's Resort from July onwards, while SO Bangkok is projected to exceed 70% occupancy starting in July as well.

Furthermore, the TAT is organizing a roadshow in South Korea, which is one of the important tourist markets for Thailand in East Asia. This will be the first business negotiation between Thai and South Korean tourism operators in two years. Additionally, flights from South Korea to Thailand have been increased, and affordable flight tickets are being offered to stimulate travel among foreign tourists, especially in the fourth quarter, which is expected to be the peak season for tourism. The atmosphere for Thai travelers is also continuously vibrant in the third quarter following the expansion of the 'We Travel Together' program Phase 4, which added another 1.5 million rights and extended the program's duration until October 2022.

As for VRANDA's marketing strategy, the company is committed to reinforcing its position as a leader in the lifestyle business with unique design and exceptional service experiences. The hotels and resorts in the group are fully prepared to welcome foreign tourists, with SO Bangkok being top of mind for Korean travelers, and Samui being a popular destination for international clients. Veranda Collection Samui - Rocky's Resort is among the top choices for foreign couples planning weddings, especially from the European market. The other three hotels and resorts, including Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai - MGallery, Veranda Resort Pattaya Na Jomtien - MGallery, and Veranda Resort and Villas Hua Hin Cha Am, are popular among Thai tourists as well as the European and Indian markets. The company is confident of receiving positive feedback from tourists and driving a strong recovery as targeted.