With the weather cooling and tourists flocking, the Chiang Mai tourism industry is receiving a much needed cash injection.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that around 90,000 visitors will be coming to Chiang Mai over the upcoming long weekend and projects the money spent to be over 700 million baht, based on an estimated spend of around 7,700 baht per person per trip.
Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Inthanon appear to be the preferred destination this winter and many businesses are offering new attractions and gimmicks to draw in visitors, said the director of TAT Chiang Mai who said that many hotels have reported bookings over the long weekend next week of up to 90% occupancy.