Targeting top-tier tourists in Thailand to spend more, plus additional stories

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, the Thai government is gearing up to attract more luxury and high-spending tourists to stimulate post-pandemic expenditure. In other headlines, at least 11 districts in India, including Patna, Alappuzha and Kendrapara, are at a “very high” risk for both floods and droughts, necessitating immediate intervention. Lastly, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants concerned government agencies to develop science-based innovations to ensure a “more effective” disaster response for the Philippines.

Getting visitors in Thailand to open wallets

Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, contributing greatly to the country’s GDP. In a bid to stimulate post-pandemic expenditure, the government is gearing up to attract more luxury and high-spending travellers.

Bangkok Post reports that with a reputation for hospitality, abundant natural resources, and top-tier attractions, Thailand is also witnessing a surge in the development of branded properties and luxury hotels.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), luxury tourists have annual incomes of more than USD60,000 (THB2.05 million). Most of them are working-age, according to the authority.

A high-spending tourist is defined as spending more than THB6,000-7,000 per day, compared with the average of THB4,200 a day for a tourist visiting Thailand, or spending THB120,000 for the whole trip. This group mostly comprises couples, families, and LGBTQ visitors, according to the agency.

IIT climate assessment report flags flood, drought risk in 11 Bihar, Kerala, Odisha districts of India

At least 11 districts, including Patna, Alappuzha and Kendrapara, are at a “very high” risk for both floods and droughts, necessitating immediate intervention, according to a climate risk assessment report compiled by two IITs.

The report was released by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Mandi, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Bengaluru.

According to the report titled “District-Level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using IPCC Framework”, 51 districts in India face “very high” flood risk, with 118 more categorised as “high” risk.

According to The Indian Express, vulnerable regions include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The report has flagged 91 districts that were identified with “very high” drought risk and 188 districts faced “high” drought risk, primarily in Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

Philippine president seeks scientific innovation for more effective disaster response

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on Friday the 13th of December, called on concerned government agencies and local government units to work together to develop science-based innovations to ensure a “more effective” disaster response, reports PNA.

Marcos made the call, as he stressed that the evolving circumstances have made it imperative for the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) system to undergo continuous improvement.

“It includes our individual obligation to follow proactive, vigilant, and adaptable strategies for our own and our communities’ safety,” he said during the 24th Gawad KALASAG National Awarding Ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].