Thailand’s tourism sector this year is anticipated to see a lively recovery, with the government now expecting no less than 20 million international visitors this year.
Thai tourism operators are anticipating the return of Chinese tourists as vacation destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket prepare for Chinese visitors during the approaching Chinese New Year.
An overload of tourists and an overwhelmed Thai healthcare system are issues to monitor next year after China fully reopens from January 8, 2023, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed agreements with tourism operators from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to expand tourism cooperation between the two nations.
Thailand held celebrations to welcome foreign visitors at seven airports and two immigration checkpoints on December 10 as it recorded 10 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2022.
The public and private sectors are being urged to work together to prepare for uncertainty in the tourism industry next year, which may pose hurdles for Thailand’s ability to maintain its competitive edge.
The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to ask the cabinet this month for a budget of 8.7 billion THB (224 million USD) to support the tourism industry, toward attracting 18-20 million foreign visitors next year.
The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry is pushing ahead with its proposals for a 1-billion-baht stimulus project and a 4am closing time for entertainment venues, as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returns to office.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is looking to new markets in Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as post-COVID trends show strong demand for international tourism.
Thailand recorded 3.12 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2022 as the country has removed most travel restrictions imposed earlier to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Thailand’s tourism revenue this year could total 1.2 trillion THB (33 billion USD), below the government’s target of 1.5 trillion THB, if no additional support or stimulus schemes are implemented, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan.
The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry is considering the replacement of mandatory PCR testing for foreign tourists with COVID rapid antigen tests certified by a competent authority from May 1.
The Thai government has pledged to continue promoting tourism activities to boost economic recovery, despite the surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.
Thailand will collect a 300-baht (9 USD) entry fee from foreign tourists from April to develop destinations and pay accident insurance for foreigners who cannot afford the cost themselves.
Thailand's tourism industry is once again on the brink due to the impact of entry restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant, although the local COVID-19 situation is basically under control and vaccination progress is accelerated.
Thailand's tourism industry is trying to shift from mass tourism to attracting more quality visitors as part of efforts to survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has downgraded its outlook for domestic tourism this year due to the economic downturn and a third wave of COVID-19.
Thailand’s latest wave of COVID-19 since late March would affect people’s travel plans during the traditional New Year (Songkran) festival, and cost the local tourism industry around 10 billion THB in revenue in the second quarter of 2021, the Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) said on April 13.
Leading experts of Thailand are working on plans to foster investment and revenue from tourism once COVID-19 is brought under control, which will be proposed to the government next month.
The Government of Thailand has decided to extend the “We Travel Together” programme and approve a parallel tourism campaign in efforts shore up its tourism industry hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASEAN
