On Wednesday at 10:34 AM (Bangkok time), the share price of Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (SET: CENTEL) jumped by 4.20% or THB 1.25 to THB 31.00, with a trading value of THB 45.20 million.
The Erawan Group Public Company Limited (SET: ERW) soared by 4.27% or THB 0.14 to THB 3.42, with a trading value of THB 23.23 million.
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SET: SHR) surged by 3.85% or THB 0.08 to THB 2.16, with a trading value of THB 4.32 million.
Maybank Securities noted that CENTEL’s share price has seen a significant 14% decline since the beginning of the year, potentially linked to apprehensions surrounding Chinese travel cancellations to Thailand in light of safety worries arising after reports on the missing of a Chinese actor.
Nonetheless, the analyst sees the development as an overreaction, citing robust international tourist arrivals. Data up to January 19 shows a 15% year-on-year growth in total tourist arrivals and a 14% increase in daily Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand, with the possibility of further acceleration during the Chinese New Year festivities.
The analyst anticipates a 20% profit growth for CENTEL in 2025, driven by a rise in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) in Thailand post a major hotel refurbishment and the forthcoming World Expo in Osaka, Japan scheduled from April to October 2025.
In addition, Krungsri Securities (KSS) reported a 0.9% week-on-week increase in tourist arrivals in Thailand during week 3 (January 13-19), totaling 820,000 visitors. Despite concerns following news of a missing Chinese actor, Chinese tourist numbers saw a significant 9.3% week-on-week spike, continuing a positive trend since the start of 2025.
The analyst predicts a resurgence in momentum for tourism and aviation shares despite a lackluster performance at the beginning of the year. This upward trajectory is projected to persist through the Chinese New Year festivities.
In the short term, KSS recommends investors consider AOT and AAV for aviation stocks, and ERW and CENTEL for hotel stocks.
