Domestic Tourism not the lifeline Thailand had hoped for

GlobalData, a leading data, and analytics firm observed that although the revival of domestic tourism provided optimism for several countries after the pandemic, this might not be the case for Thailand, as in the middle of its political turmoil, the recovery of domestic tourism is stuck and delayed, reminding tour operators that COVID-19 is not the only recovery hurdle. 

Domestic tourism has been proclaimed the 'lifeline' for the revival of COVID-19 tourism, followed by regional travel, but this might not be the case throughout Thailand.

Thailand, which attracted 39.7 million foreign tourists in 2019, is known as one of the world's largest most tourism-reliant destinations. Its importance to domestic tourism increases this, with 113 million domestic trips taking place in 2019. It is not important to overstate the value of domestic travel. 

Johanna Bonhill-Smith, GlobalData Travel & Tourism Analyst, notes that GlobalData forecasts that foreign tourists to Thailand will decline by 38 percent in 2020 and that domestic tourism will increase by almost 25 percent, due mainly to COVID-19.

A united front is essential not only for the foreign image of its destination but also to encourage domestic flows across the country for the confidence of visitors to return.

COVID-19 also remains badly affected by a number of the top ten source markets in Thailand, such as the US and India.

This suggests that the international recovery of tourism will be weak for the destination, as shortly, the lack of spending and the arrival of its main contributors will cause further damage.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been active in its response to encouraging international tourism to the destination to fuel future growth.

TAT recently shared an announcement from the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) that foreign visitors will be able to purchase a COVID-19 insurance policy online before visiting.

A new visitor visa – Special Tourist Visa (STV) was announced and launched in early October 2020 to reboot inbound travel. 

Source: AUS Liesure Management