The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its strategy to support the Royal Thai Government’s third phase of easing business activities and restrictions.
The relaxation helps some tourism-related businesses while other venue operators must wait and continue to follow the guidelines issued by the government. Moreover, all international flights to Thailand are still banned until June 30. Only the strongest will travel as the focus is now more on their health and safety. This means Gen Y or millennials are expected to be the first to come back during any recovery period.
The ‘new normal’ for Thai tourism also focuses on less travelling, smaller gatherings, avoiding crowds and touching. All markets, both mainstream and niche, will be evaluated for opportunities. However, Thailand’s tourism industry is highly dependent on international arrivals and ultimately it will be consumers who will decide if and when they feel comfortable enough to travel overseas.
TAT has clearly mentioned that international tourists coming to Thailand should not travel from or have lived in ongoing local transmission areas. They should not have a history of being in close contact with any probable or confirmed cases. A medical certificate will be also required. Once arriving in Thailand, tourists are required to undergo the COVID-19 rapid test screening process for reconfirmation, and then depart for a sealed area without making any stops. While staying in Thailand, tourists are required to install and use a tracking application on their smart-phones for the safety and protection of travelling in and out of sealed areas. Hence the focus will be on high-end international tourists with the image of Thailand as a world-class health tourism destination.
Vachirachai Sirisumpan, the director of TAT India (New Delhi) told India Outbound, “India is a very important market for Thailand and we look forward to welcoming Indians back to Thailand once the situation starts improving. Based on the strategy of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for adopting the new normal in tourism, both TAT India Offices are working in-line with directions from TAT main office in maintaining and promoting Thailand as a destination on top of mind of every individual by consistently communicating with the Indian tourists and our travel trade partners, and this is based on the sentiments of the market”.
Other measures include but are not limited to buying Covid-19 insurance to boost confidence among international tourists. Through marketing communications and creating positive feelings among the tourism industry while reducing xenophobia after reopening the country, spread goodwill with projects like ‘Welcome Superheroes to Thailand’ for medical personnel around the world and avoid activities, which might lead to the recurrence of the COVID-19 transmission.
