Flood hype hurting hotels

　　The inundation in Bangkok has begun to affect tourism in southern Thailand, with foreign visitors concerned that Suvarnabhumi Airport will suffer the same fate as Don Mueang.

　　Suchart Hirunkanokkul, the president of the Thai Hotels Association"s southern chapter, says hotel cancellations are rising in major southern tourist destinations _ particularly among guests from China, Taiwan and other Asian countries.

　　The average occupancy rate of hotels in Phuket should be about 70% in November, but the association expects a lower figure because cancellations are constantly increasing.

　　Major cancellations have come from Asian tourists, while Europeans have also delayed travel. Moreover, advance booking for December is quiet.

　　Mr Suchart says the government and Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa should provide clearer information about the flood situation in Bangkok, updating local and foreign media about destinations still open for travel.

　　"We never see Mr Chumpol do anything to help Thai tourism during the worst flood in 50 years," Mr Suchart said. "Where is he now?"

　　In other developments, the European hotel chain Accor today will reopen Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel, which has been closed on safety concerns.

　　The remaining hotels under the Accor brand in Bangkok are still open. Accor says the average occupancy rate for its hotels on the outskirts of Bangkok is 30-40% and in downtown is about 80%.

　　Guests are mostly those affected by the floods such as local people and expats working here, while foreign tourists are scarce.

　　Philippe Le Bourhis, the general manager of Novotel Bangkok Siam Square, puts the hotel"s occupancy rate at 60%, lower than the 80-85% of a normal period, with Asian tourists accounting for about 60% of guests.