The tourism sector in Thailand, despite all the lifting of restrictions, is not very optimistic about the future. Among the main fears, the first place is still occupied by the code – or rather, “the risk of new versions of it, and most importantly, how the government may respond.” And the Thai government has been reacting in the simplest way for the last 2 years – just introducing hard lockdowns. That is, businesses fear that the current free access to Thailand is short-lived, and another lockdown may be announced at any moment.
So far, Thailand is following an encouraging course of further easing – various entry schemes are being removed, no PCR test is required. But business confidence has not arisen. “We need a clear government plan to ensure that the mistakes of the last two years are not repeated. Endless changes and reversals of covid policy have forced tour operators to fight to stay afloat, and indecisive schemes of rediscovery have not paid off, “they said in the Thai media.
It will be recalled that Thailand has reopened for tourists with a pilot program “sandbox” in Phuket, which was launched in July 2021, then in November launched the Test & Go scheme, which allows you to travel to other parts of Thailand.
At the same time, according to experts from the Association of Travel Agents of Thailand, since the launch of the Test & Go scheme, “the liveliness of tourism has gone up and down.” The recent abolition of the PCR at the entrance was a positive step, but for the sustainable resumption of tourism, Thailand must maintain consistency with its entry requirements, focusing on the convenience of travelers, and providing a comprehensive health care plan to protect locals. from the risk of new options. Businesses have serious concerns that if a new option emerges, there is a risk of a return to strict border controls – and the tourism sector will not be able to withstand such measures.
At the same time, the government’s optimistic forecast of 10 million foreign guests this year is not considered real by market experts. According to Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Hotel Association of Thailand, the current restrictions on travel in China make it impossible. “This year we will not be able to receive 10 million foreign guests without the Chinese market. Although this month may look more promising than previous months, at best there will be only 1 million visitors a month in the last quarter of the year,” she said.
The expert also reminded that so far most hotels remain closed, as current income may not cover operating costs, and earnings are still low due to weak demand. “Although this year we should get a better result than in the previous two years of the pandemic, the practical forecast for the arrival of tourists – no more than 6-8 million,” – added the expert.
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