Chiang Mai hotels are 70% booked by foreign tourists despite PM2.5 pollution. Revenue during Songkran festival expected to reach 1.2 billion baht. Officials address health risks and provide clean air rooms.
High Hotel Occupancy Despite PM2.5 Concerns
Hotels rooms in Chiang Mai are currently about 70% booked, many of them by foreign tourists, despite the worsening PM2.5 problem, according to Patsin Sawetrat, director of the Tourism Authority Authority’s Chiang Mai office. While admitting that the smoke from forest fires may affect tourism, she said that it occurs during the dry season every year and she expects increased hotel occupancy during the Songkran festival, from April 12 to April 16.
Efforts to Combat PM2.5 Pollution
Expected revenue from tourism during Songkran in Chiang Mai is estimated at about 1.2 billion baht, she said, adding that the TAT office has performed a “sacred” water ceremony at nine temples to bless the city and its people. In Chiang Mai, Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn ordered all local administrative organisations to make available at least three clean air rooms at each organisation. Similar facilities will be made available in all hospitals.
