Wellness tourism helps boost Thai economy

Thailand has become known for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats. (Photo:globalwellnessinstitute.org)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand has long been regarded as a top travel destination with its tropical islands, cuisine, historical and cultural treasures, and bustling markets. It has also become known for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Thailand welcomed 3.42 million international arrivals to the country for medical treatment and health care, generating 140 billion THB (3.99 billion USD) in revenue. The rapid recovery of tourism after the pandemic has contributed to the growth of wellness tourism.

According to the Central Bank of Thailand (BoT) and the Ministry of Health, the country earned 11.9 billion THB from health tourism in 2021, an increase of 47% compared to 2020.

Thailand’s five largest health tourism markets include Kuwait, Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan and China. The sector is expected to earn 25 billion THB in 2023.

Thailand has introduced a Health for Wealth policy, aiming to improve health care services and wellness tourism in order to strengthen the economy. Notably, traditional medicine and herbs are given priorities to create prosperity for the country.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the authority is coordinating with partners, airlines, tourism agents, restaurants and hotels to promote the country’s tourism.

He said a series of events to highlight the country’s 5F soft-power foundations – Food, Film, Festival, Fight and Fashion - are being taking place throughout the year.

He emphasiesd that Thailand’s wellness tourism has a huge potential due to four factors, including well-trained staff, hospitality of the locals, world-class services, and reasonable prices./.