• Athens Takes on Dubai: How the Ancient Capital Is Becoming a New Haven for Wealthy Expats

  Where Athens’ old airport once stood, a futuristic city is rapidly taking shape. Modern residential complexes, green spaces and cutting-edge technology are at the heart of the massive Ellinikon development, which is set to include around 9,000 homes, shopping centers, offices, hotels and the giant Riviera Tower skyscraper, according to the Daily Mail...

• Beautiful Destinations, Cold Reception: 6 Places Where Tourists Encounter Rude Service

  The Eiffel Tower, charming Italian streets and the azure waters of the Adriatic — millions of tourists dream of visiting these places. But behind the picture-perfect postcards, there can sometimes be an unexpected reality: cold looks, curt replies and service that can spoil even a long-awaited vacation...

• Dubai Like You’ve Never Seen It Before: A Guide to the City’s New Season

  A Dubai hotel has long since evolved beyond simply being a place to spend the night. Today, it is a self-contained resort world where you can spend several days without ever leaving the property — waking to the sound of fountains or waves, having breakfast with a view worth getting up early for. In the newest projects, the view from the window, signature cuisine, pool design and architecture of the building itself all matter...

• A year aboard a luxury liner: £56,000 cruise spans the globe from Alaska to Zanzibar

  A two-week cruise may sound like the ultimate luxury. But what if you could spend an entire year at sea, waking up every day in a different corner of the planet...

• The Ultimate Adventure: Superyachts and Luxury Expedition Ships Take the Ultra-Rich to the Ends of the Earth

  A new trend is taking over the luxury travel world: high-end expedition cruises designed for travelers who have already been everywhere but are now craving untouched wilderness and adrenaline-fueled adventure — without sacrificing comfort, according to the New York Post...

• “Wealth Has Turned Into a Zoo”: Why Luxury Travel Is Starting to Rebel Against The White Lotus

  Few television shows have had as profound an impact on the luxury travel industry as The White Lotus. Each new season sends viewers rushing to book the real-life hotels featured on screen, turning secluded resorts into must-visit destinations almost overnight...

• “Hell on Earth”: Greek Paradise Beach Turns Into a Nightmare as Tourists Swarm the Shore

  A picturesque beach in Greece has been branded “hell on Earth” after being overrun by seemingly endless crowds of tourists...

• Escape From Civilization: Why the World’s Wealthiest Are Choosing the Wilderness Over Luxury Resorts

  As ultra-wealthy travelers increasingly seek truly authentic experiences, remote destinations are climbing to the top of their wish lists...

Luxury hotels across Thailand—from Andaman Sea beach resorts to Bangkok’s iconic riverside properties—are offering steep discounts to attract local guests, as the usual stream of international tourists slows amid travel disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran, Bloomberg reports.

Thai residents and expatriates can now book rooms at rates up to 70% off. For instance, a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, the city’s historic riverside hotel, is now under $300 per night, including butler service and breakfast. Meanwhile, a beach resort near the limestone cliffs of Railay Beach offers two-story accommodations starting at $430 a night—almost half the regular rate—on a former coconut plantation.

Flight cancellations and airspace closures, particularly on Europe–Asia routes vital for Thailand, have made travel more complicated and expensive, causing a decline in visitor numbers. Arrivals from Europe and the Middle East are already 16% below normal just weeks into the conflict.

Tourism accounts for roughly 20% of Thailand’s economy, and a prolonged slowdown would hit a sector still recovering from the pandemic. Officials had hoped for 37 million foreign visitors this year, an 11% increase over 2025, but that target now seems uncertain. As of mid-March, 7.9 million tourists had visited, with China, Malaysia, and Russia topping the list of source countries. Authorities also warn that sustained oil price increases could further curb demand.

Even in the luxury segment, where travelers are usually less price-sensitive, the recent markdowns signal softer demand. Room rates, which rose steadily over the past three years, are now easing due to new supply—particularly in Bangkok—and expectations of lower interest during the World Cup, as many choose to watch matches from home.

Similar patterns are emerging internationally. In Dubai, high-end hotels are cutting rates and promoting staycation packages for residents, while travel operators worldwide are offering promotions and alternative options as long-haul demand weakens.

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram