Thailand plans to make changes by offering more visas to European tourists and organizing cultural festivals to draw foreign visitors and encourage spending.
Prommin Lertsuridej, chief assistant to Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin, said the Thai government was discussing plans to grant 90-day residence permits to tourists from some European countries. In addition, there can be roughly 3,000 events next yr, similar to music concert events, marathons and other cultural celebrations, to draw tourists.
Since taking office in August, Srettha has viewed the tourism industry as a strategic alternative to speed up Thailand’s economic growth. During her term of office, visa requirements for tourists from Russia, China, Kazakhstan, India and Taiwan were temporarily abolished. It also ordered airlines to expand routes while streamlining airport operations to scale back guest waiting times.
From next month, Thailand also plans to permit nightclubs in some areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chonburi to operate until 4 a.m.
Although the country has lifted most restrictions on visits because of the pandemic, tourism officials note that average spending per tourist continues to be well below pre-Zika levels and inconsistent with official estimates.
In 2019, Thailand recorded nearly 40 million foreign tourist arrivals, generating record revenues of 1.91 trillion baht (about $53.7 billion). This yr, each tourist spent a mean of 47,895 baht through the nine-day trip.
Meanwhile, as of November 12, 23.2 million foreign tourists arrived in Thailand, generating revenue of 981.7 billion baht, down about 12 percent from the typical travel spending in 2019.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has set a goal to revive foreign tourism revenues to pre-Zika levels, targeting no less than 2 trillion baht by 2024.
In early November, Srettha announced the Winter Festival, which incorporates festivals similar to Loi Krathong, Bangkok Marathon and New Year celebrations. The series of events goals to showcase Thailand’s wealthy culture and attract tourists through the busy period from November to January.
