THE POPULAR Thai island of Koh Phangan hopes to promote long term sustainable tourism to attract more tourists with the aim of 100,000 arrivals this year.
Its tourism industry hopes the island will be attractive for more than just its well-known Full Moon Party.
Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association president Chantana Limsuwan said the Full Moon Party on April 16 and the Songkran holidays, helped the island post its highest hotel occupancy rate since January at 85 to 90 per cent.
However, only about 70 per cent of the 600 hotels on Koh Phangan were open. She said the period also saw room rates almost reach pre-pandemic levels.
According to a Bangkok Post report, the average room rate prior to the pandemic was 1,500 to 2,000 baht per night, while beachfront hotels at Haad Rin cost around 3,000 to 4,000 baht, during the Full Moon Party.
However, the income was only enough to cover payroll and electricity bills, due to higher operational costs.
After the festival ended each month, the occupancy rate usually drops to about 20 to 30 per cent, while room rates plunged between 30 and 50 per cent.
Chantana said early bookings for the next Full Moon Party on May 16 were still unclear as partygoers have a shorter booking period now.
She said other famous parties, including the Half Moon Party, might resume in August when travel rules are relaxed, while the Black Moon Party is not scheduled back yet.
The association had also discussed with tourism operators on creating more activities so that tourists will stay longer on the island.
Without other activities, tourists usually spend one or just several nights on the island around the time of the Full Moon Party.
Chantana said its tourism model was inspired by Ibiza, which is globally renowned for its parties, and has similar features to Koh Phangan.
For instance, Koh Phangan will have beach clubs or day lounges, and host more events at Haad Rin beach with safety protocols, like security guards, to upgrade its services and image.
She said the island was also famous for holistic wellness retreats and outdoor activities like skimboarding, kiteboarding and sailing, while its forests were good for trekking and trail running.
"The Full Moon Party is a key magnet for Koh Phangan, but operators have to raise their standards and prove that the island has more to offer all year round," Chantana said.
She added that local tourism operators hope to welcome 100,000 tourists this year, if all entry restrictions are dropped.