ROLES OF COST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCALLY OWNED HOTELS IN THE SOUTH OF THAILAND
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60101/gbafr.2026.283160Keywords:
Cost management practices, Locally owned hotel, Surat Thani, the South of ThailandAbstract
Purpose – This study investigates the cost management practices employed by locally owned hotels in southern Thailand.
Methodology – The sample consists of 54 registered hotels in Muang District, Surat Thani. All hotels are included in the study using a census sampling method. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires completed by the hotel managers.
Results – Over half of the surveyed hotels were medium-sized, with an average operational history of approximately 10 years. Notably, 40.7% of the hotels had no clearly claimed star rating. Room pricing was influenced primarily by departmental costs. Cost control and target costing were particularly implemented in the Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, and Finance and Accounting departments.
Implications – The findings suggest that hotel managers should strengthen their cost monitoring systems, particularly in the Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, and Finance and Accounting departments, where cost control and target costing are most actively applied. Enhancing cost management practices in these key departments can help hotels optimize pricing strategies, improve profitability, and remain competitive, especially in the highly dynamic tourism market of southern Thailand.
Originality/Value – The study concludes that the long-term sustainability of hotel businesses cannot depend solely on leveraging existing operational opportunities. Instead, modern cost management techniques and strategic financial planning must be adopted to achieve sustainable growth.
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