Hotel rates low despite surging costsHotels are struggling to raise room rates amid intense competition in the industry, despite pressure from higher operational costs due to surging electricity bills and wages. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said those two expenditures usually account for the largest costs in hotels’ operations. “Operational cost is surging though the number of guests is still modest,” she said. Moreover, 61% of hotel operators remain concerned about the number of international tourists this year, which could be lower than expected. “In terms of energy management, small hotels that have individual air control in each room can manage the cost better.”
