Hotels & Accommodations
Thai Hotels Shift Focus To Direct Thai Price Promotions Amid Travel: Thailand’s Half-Half Issues
Friday, July 25, 2025
Thailand’s tourism industry has always been vital to the country’s economy, especially in times of slack demand for accommodation. The government’s latest effort to encourage domestic travel, the “Travel Thailand Half-Half” program, was launched on July 1, 2025, with high hopes. However, the proposal to subsidize 40-50% of hotels and motels for domestic travelers was greeted with extreme doubt by both hotels and tourists. With sustained technical difficulties, slow registration, and low participant numbers, many hotels had to pull out of the program. Instead, they choose to have their own direct promotions under the “Thai Price” scheme, offering more straightforward and attractive deals to Thai tourists.
Slow Start and Unstable Systems
The “Travel Thailand Half-Half” program, designed to run from July to October 2025, has faced numerous challenges. Although it was hoped that the program would kickstart the tourism sector by offering substantial discounts to domestic travelers, it has struggled to gain momentum. Hotel operators have expressed concerns over the frequent technical glitches in the booking system, which have left travelers unable to make reservations or complete payments. Notably, the system’s requirement for cash payments, excluding card transactions, has made the process even more cumbersome for potential customers.
Furthermore, the complexity of the registration process and the lack of clear communication from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have left many hotels feeling insecure about their participation. There are concerns that hotels may not be able to claim reimbursements from the government, even if travelers book under the scheme. This uncertainty has prompted several hotels to suspend their involvement until the system becomes more reliable.
Limited Budget for the Stimulus Scheme
Another key issue that has contributed to the program’s underperformance is the limited budget allocated for the scheme. With only around 300-400 million baht available per month, the funds are seen as insufficient to drive significant growth in occupancy rates or generate meaningful demand for domestic tourism. This has further discouraged hotels from participating in the program, especially as many have found that bookings through government channels are not yielding enough revenue to cover the anticipated subsidies.
Shift to “Thai Price” Campaigns
In response to the challenges faced by the “Travel Thailand Half-Half” program, many hotels, especially in popular tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Koh Samui, Rayong, and Khao Yai, are opting for their own direct promotions. These “Thai Price” campaigns, which are tailored to local tourists, offer simpler, more straightforward deals that do not rely on the complex booking system of the government program.
While the “Thai Price” deals may be slightly more expensive than the heavily subsidized rates available through the government scheme, they offer clear advantages in terms of ease of use and certainty. For many travelers, the simplicity of booking directly with hotels through these promotions is far more attractive than navigating the bureaucratic red tape of government subsidies. Hotels have found that this approach appeals to price-conscious travelers, even if the cost difference is only a few hundred baht.
Consumer Behavior: A Preference for Third-Party Apps
Another key development that has impacted the success of the government program is the shift in consumer behavior toward using third-party apps for booking accommodations. Most tourists now prefer platforms such as Agoda and Booking.com over government-run schemes. Reports from various hotel managers indicate that a significant portion of bookings, up to 70-80%, are made via these apps.
Despite the government’s 500-baht travel coupons, third-party app deals often provide better prices and offer a more streamlined booking experience. Many travelers are prioritizing convenience and value over complex government programs. This trend reflects a broader shift in the way travelers engage with the tourism industry, highlighting the growing dominance of digital platforms in the sector.
Key Destinations See Some Uptake
Despite the challenges faced by the “Travel Thailand Half-Half” scheme, certain destinations have shown better results in terms of bookings. According to data from TAT, as of July 19, Chonburi (Pattaya) has been the most popular destination under the program, followed by Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima. These destinations have seen a relatively higher uptake of government subsidies, though they still account for a small fraction of the total entitlements available.
However, the program still has around 50% of its 500,000 entitlements left unclaimed, which has led to calls from officials urging the public to take advantage of the remaining opportunities.
Government Plans to Simplify the Process
In an attempt to salvage the program and increase participation, the government has pledged to simplify the registration and booking processes. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized that the government is committed to supporting the tourism industry and providing affordable travel opportunities for domestic tourists.
As part of this effort, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working on several additional tourism stimulus projects. These include initiatives targeting the overseas market, collaborations with online booking platforms, and image-building campaigns featuring celebrity endorsements. The total budget for these new initiatives is expected to be around 3.96 billion baht.
The government has also planned to roll out tourism campaigns in key cities and emerging destinations, such as the Chiang Mai–Lamphun Night Market, with the aim of further boosting the country’s tourism industry.
The Road Ahead for Thailand’s Tourism
Though it was hard for the “Travel Thailand Half-Half” program, it rather illustrated how tourism is changing. At last, many people opt for mobile booking apps as being quicker, easier, and simpler than using their smartphones via the traditional route. With customers making this choice between convenience and better value, it has had a profound effect on both hotel owners and travelers themselves.
As the policy comes under increasing fire, governments must adapt to the evolving situation and make sure questions are answered that people like travelers or those working in the tourist industry ask. Future stimulus projects will be dependent on simplifying processes so customers know what they are getting and taking the tourism sector through a digital transformation.
Tags: bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, hua hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, pattaya, Phetchaburi, Prachuap, rayong, Surat Thani, Thailand
Hotels & Accommodations
Israel Canada Hotels Expands Operations in Greece: A Major Leap in Hospitality and International Growth
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Israel Canada Hotels, a prominent player in the hospitality sector, is taking significant steps to expand its reach both in Israel and internationally. The company is currently engaged in strategic deals worth around NIS 200 million, aimed at strengthening its position as a leading hotel operator. With a focus on key markets such as Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, Israel Canada Hotels is expanding its portfolio of properties to meet the growing demand for diverse, high-quality accommodations. This move comes at a pivotal time as the tourism sector recovers from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, and Israel Canada Hotels seeks to cement its status as a leading hotel brand in the region.
Israel Canada Hotels’ Growing Domestic Presence
In Israel, Israel Canada Hotels is actively enhancing its presence with strategic acquisitions and investments. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a 50% ownership stake in two significant properties: the Galilion tourism complex and the Kfar Giladi Hotel. Located in the northern region of Israel, these two properties represent a major leap forward in the company’s expansion strategy.
The Galilion complex, situated in the beautiful Hula Valley, is a popular destination that boasts 120 guest rooms and suites, making it an ideal getaway for couples and families. The complex includes a spa center, swimming pool, restaurant, wine bar, and conference facilities. The Kfar Giladi Hotel, located in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi at the foot of the Naftali Mountains in the Upper Galilee, spans over 30 acres of well-maintained grounds, providing a serene environment for relaxation and leisure. These acquisitions, valued at approximately NIS 140 million, will be managed by Israel Canada Hotels, ensuring the company continues to provide exceptional service while benefiting from ongoing management fees.
Expansion in Tiberias: A New Lease Opportunity
In addition to its acquisitions, Israel Canada Hotels is in advanced negotiations to lease a 307-room hotel in Tiberias for a 15-year period, with an option to extend the lease for another 10 years. This property, which includes extensive public spaces and great potential for tourism activities, represents an exciting opportunity for the company to broaden its offerings in the region.
Plans for the hotel include a comprehensive renovation, aimed at transforming it into a family-friendly destination. With the growing demand for family-oriented travel experiences, this renovation will position the property as an attractive option for tourists looking for comfort and convenience in Tiberias, a popular location on the Sea of Galilee. The project aligns with Israel Canada Hotels’ broader strategy to expand its footprint in Israel and cater to a wide range of travelers.
Israel Canada Hotels’ Expansion in the South: Eilat and the 42 Degrees Project
Israel Canada Hotels is also making notable strides in the southern part of the country, specifically in the popular tourist destination of Eilat. Through a joint venture with the Karel Group, the company is investing NIS 1.5 million in the 42 Degrees project. This complex consists of nine buildings, public areas, a swimming pool, and a gym, and will be managed under a short-term hotel rental model.
This new investment in Eilat complements the company’s previous leasing agreement for a hotel located adjacent to the apartment complex. Both properties will be managed separately, offering tourists different experiences based on the type of service provided. This diversification ensures that Israel Canada Hotels can cater to various customer preferences, providing everything from family-friendly accommodations to more luxurious offerings in Eilat.
Aggressive International Expansion: Israel Canada Hotels in Greece
On the international front, Israel Canada Hotels is making significant inroads in Greece, a popular European destination that continues to draw millions of tourists each year. The company recently completed the acquisition of a Greek company holding the lease rights to a building on Theatrou Street in Athens, next to its existing Play Theatrou Hotel. This acquisition will allow the company to expand its presence in the vibrant Psiri neighborhood, a popular area for tourists.
The new building is set to undergo renovation and will be converted into a 50-room hotel with a restaurant, doubling the capacity of the Play Theatrou Hotel. With this expansion, the hotel will grow to 110 rooms, making it the largest hotel in the sought-after Psiri neighborhood. This acquisition is part of Israel Canada Hotels’ strategy to capitalize on Greece’s popularity as a global tourist hub and increase its footprint in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
In addition to this acquisition, Israel Canada Hotels is negotiating the lease rights to another hotel in a prime area of Greece. The estimated value of this deal is 13 million euros, and it represents another strategic move to strengthen the company’s presence in Greece, a market with significant growth potential. The addition of this hotel will further enhance Israel Canada Hotels’ urban portfolio and allow the company to attract more international visitors.
Strategic Focus on Brand Consolidation
Reuven Alkas, CEO and partner at Israel Canada Hotels, emphasized that these acquisitions and investments are integral to the company’s long-term growth strategy. By strengthening its presence in both domestic and international markets, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the global hospitality market. As the tourism industry rebounds, Israel Canada Hotels aims to consolidate its brand and expand its offerings in key locations both in Israel and abroad.
“We see these deals as an opportunity to expand our footprint in the most sought-after markets, while also maintaining our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service. Our focus on Greece, Israel, and the southern region ensures that we can cater to a diverse range of travelers,” Alkas said.
The Current Hotel Portfolio of Israel Canada Hotels
Currently, Israel Canada Hotels operates 24 hotels in Israel, 11 in Greece, and one in Cyprus, with a total of approximately 3,800 rooms. The company’s diverse portfolio includes properties ranging from luxurious resorts to more budget-friendly options, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The expansion plans in Israel and Greece are expected to significantly boost the company’s portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leading hospitality provider in these regions.
Upon the completion of the new deals, Israel Canada Hotels will not only increase its room capacity but also enhance the variety of vacation experiences it offers, from family-friendly accommodations in Tiberias and Eilat to upscale urban properties in Athens. This growth strategy is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality hospitality options in both domestic and international markets.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Israel Canada Hotels
Israel Canada Hotels is making substantial strides in expanding its footprint both in Israel and internationally. Through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and investments, the company is positioning itself as a leading player in the hospitality sector. With a strong presence in key tourist destinations like Eilat, Tiberias, and Athens, and a focus on customer service and quality, Israel Canada Hotels is poised for continued success in the growing global tourism market.
As the company strengthens its brand and expands its portfolio, travelers can expect an even more diverse range of accommodation options and experiences, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Israel Canada Hotels’ ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that it will remain a key player in the international hospitality industry.
Hotels & Accommodations
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH) Given New $101.00 Price Target at Barclays – MarketBeat
In one of the world’s most expensive travel destinations, capsule hotels are emerging as a smart alternative for cost-conscious visitors.
Singapore’s Cube Boutique Capsule Hotels blend affordability with upscale design, offering social spaces and app-based convenience without sacrificing on service.
Originating in Japan, the capsule hotel concept is finding renewed popularity in Singapore, with industry players innovating to stay ahead in a tight labor market and shifting global tourism trends.
As demand rises, the market is poised for growth beyond Southeast Asia — raising questions about how far this compact hospitality model can go.
This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.
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