Tourist Association Introduces 11-Point Plan to Boost Tourism

[snoop1130]

 

The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) has introduced a comprehensive 11-point plan to give Thailand's tourism industry a boost. The goal is to put Thailand at the forefront of global tourism targets. This plan was drawn up after extensive discussions with tourism business owners and other private sector players to address the industry's challenges and opportunities.

 

A collaborative task force is the cornerstone of the plan. This task force will consist of local tourism authorities and private sector representatives, who will advise the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. The aim of this collaboration is to ensure that policy decisions reflect a broad spectrum of ideas and expertise from the industry, leading to better responses to the development of tourism.

 

A detailed plan called the Thailand Tourism Carrier Capacity Blueprint has also been proposed. This blueprint focuses on supply and demand in tourism, sustainability, and revenue distribution. It emphasises the importance of understanding and cooperation between the parties involved.

 

Furthermore, FETTA is calling for law changes to address the shortage of labor. This includes making it easier for migrant workers to get jobs in the tourism sector while also promoting inclusion.

 

The Association is also focused on widening the visa-free policy to include more countries. It plans to improve immigration procedures at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to make it easier for tourists to enter the country.

 

Additionally, FETTA believes in the power of digital technology and recommends that tourism business owners transition to digital. The proposal includes support for software and digital infrastructure that can improve operations and enhance visitors' experience.

 

Other initiatives include promoting nighttime tourism to counter the risk of heatstroke for tourists, increasing government expenditure on seminars and meetings in local hotels to support the hospitality sector, and allocating funds for sustainable tourism development.

 

FETTA also plans to pilot programs in specific areas and perform regular evaluations. The goal is to fine-tune and expand sustainable tourism activities across the country for the long-term environmental and economic benefits.

 

Changes to the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act are also being proposed to strengthen enforcement and boost professional development in the tour-guiding profession.

 

Finally, FETTA highlighted the need to target a variety of markets and offer seasonal promotions to boost demand in less popular provinces during low tourism seasons. This shows FETTA's intention to develop and promote tourism in a complete and well-rounded way.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-06

 

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[DonniePeverley]

Thanks to Wilcop932 for this write up, brilliant said :

 

 

Thailand’s Tourism Rebound is a double-edged sword. Tourism is a major component of the Thai economy, contributing roughly 20% of GDP. However, COVID-19 dealt a devastating blow to the industry.

 

 

 

Prior to the pandemic, tourist arrivals in Thailand steadily increased. COVID-19 brought travel to a near standstill from 2020 to 2022, with 2021 seeing rock-bottom numbers.

 

Determined to revive this vital sector, Thai authorities have implemented measures to jumpstart tourism. 2023, the first "COVID-free" year, witnessed a remarkable turnaround: visitor numbers doubled from 11 million in 2022 to over 28 million.

 

 

 

However, a significant shift in tourist demographics occured in 2023. Over two-thirds (20 million) of visitors originated from Asia, followed by Europe (6 million), the Americas (1.3 million), and the Middle East/Africa (around 700,000). This contrasts with the pre-pandemic visitor base, which leaned more heavily towards Europe and China then taking 25%

 

 

 

This surge in Asian tourists reflects a change in travel preferences. Many new visitors flock to established tourist hotspots catering to their specific interests. Regular visitors to these areas may have noticed increased density in 2023, while those returning might have observed some "derelict" businesses as the industry recovered.

 

 

 

The future: - Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels and Beyond

 

Tourist arrivals in Thailand have been steadily climbing since the pandemic, with projections indicating a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels (30-35 million visitors) by the end of 2024.

 

 

 

The first quarter of 2024 alone saw 10 million visitors, a 44% year-on-year increase.

 

The government's relaxed entry requirements further fuel optimism. These relaxed regulations, coupled with a potential increase in visa-free entry from 57 to 93 countries, are predicted to sustain growth at pre-COVID rates or even surpass them. Notably, relaxed entry conditions for countries like Russia, China and India are already leading to a noticeable rise in visitors from those regions.

 

Airlines, with underutilized fleets post-pandemic, are well-positioned to handle the influx of tourists.

 

 

 

While the tourism rebound is positive news, there are concerns. The focus on sheer visitor numbers might overshadow the "quality of the product" and the environmental impact on Thailand's natural beauty – the very resources that attract tourists in the first place.

 

 

 

So, I think that although Thailand's tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable comeback, ensuring sustainable growth requires a balanced approach that prioritizes not just visitor numbers, but also the quality of the tourism experience and the preservation of Thailand's unique environment. It seems that the current government is not interested in this.

[newnative]

On 6/6/2024 at 3:21 PM, DonniePeverley said:

Thanks to Wilcop932 for this write up, brilliant said :

 

 

Thailand’s Tourism Rebound is a double-edged sword. Tourism is a major component of the Thai economy, contributing roughly 20% of GDP. However, COVID-19 dealt a devastating blow to the industry.

 

 

 

Prior to the pandemic, tourist arrivals in Thailand steadily increased. COVID-19 brought travel to a near standstill from 2020 to 2022, with 2021 seeing rock-bottom numbers.

 

Determined to revive this vital sector, Thai authorities have implemented measures to jumpstart tourism. 2023, the first "COVID-free" year, witnessed a remarkable turnaround: visitor numbers doubled from 11 million in 2022 to over 28 million.

 

 

 

However, a significant shift in tourist demographics occured in 2023. Over two-thirds (20 million) of visitors originated from Asia, followed by Europe (6 million), the Americas (1.3 million), and the Middle East/Africa (around 700,000). This contrasts with the pre-pandemic visitor base, which leaned more heavily towards Europe and China then taking 25%

 

 

 

This surge in Asian tourists reflects a change in travel preferences. Many new visitors flock to established tourist hotspots catering to their specific interests. Regular visitors to these areas may have noticed increased density in 2023, while those returning might have observed some "derelict" businesses as the industry recovered.

 

 

 

The future: - Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels and Beyond

 

Tourist arrivals in Thailand have been steadily climbing since the pandemic, with projections indicating a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels (30-35 million visitors) by the end of 2024.

 

 

 

The first quarter of 2024 alone saw 10 million visitors, a 44% year-on-year increase.

 

The government's relaxed entry requirements further fuel optimism. These relaxed regulations, coupled with a potential increase in visa-free entry from 57 to 93 countries, are predicted to sustain growth at pre-COVID rates or even surpass them. Notably, relaxed entry conditions for countries like Russia, China and India are already leading to a noticeable rise in visitors from those regions.

 

Airlines, with underutilized fleets post-pandemic, are well-positioned to handle the influx of tourists.

 

 

 

While the tourism rebound is positive news, there are concerns. The focus on sheer visitor numbers might overshadow the "quality of the product" and the environmental impact on Thailand's natural beauty – the very resources that attract tourists in the first place.

 

 

 

So, I think that although Thailand's tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable comeback, ensuring sustainable growth requires a balanced approach that prioritizes not just visitor numbers, but also the quality of the tourism experience and the preservation of Thailand's unique environment. It seems that the current government is not interested in this.

        The tourism figures you quote for 2023 do not show a 'significant shift' to Asian tourists in 2023 compared to the period before covid.  In 2019, pre-covid, the shift had already taken place.  'East Asia' tourists that year were 16,600,000.  'ASEAN' tourists were 10,600,000.  'Europe' was 6,700,000. 'South Asia' was 2,400,000.  'Americas' was 1,600,000.  

       If your 2023 tourist figures are correct, you have Asia at 20 million, Europe at 6 million, and Americas at 1.3 million.  Not much different than 2019, especially Europe and Americas, and certainly not a big shift from what was already happening pre-covid.

[Lorry]

On 6/6/2024 at 3:06 PM, snoop1130 said:

nighttime tourism to counter the risk of heatstroke for tourists,

Yeah, many visitors to Pattaya or Phuket spend most of their time here countering the risk of heatstroke 

[Deserted]

Heatstroke? A few cold beers would soon fix that. 

[stoner]

8 minutes ago, Deserted said:

Heatstroke? A few cold beers would soon fix that. 

 

or a doobie. 

[Deserted]

9 minutes ago, stoner said:

 

or a doobie. 

lol yes, maybe both is better! Doctors orders!!!

[stoner]

6 minutes ago, Deserted said:

lol yes, maybe both is better! Doctors orders!!!

 

the doobie would chill you out. ok i will leave now. 

[DonniePeverley]

5 hours ago, newnative said:

        The tourism figures you quote for 2023 do not show a 'significant shift' to Asian tourists in 2023 compared to the period before covid.  In 2019, pre-covid, the shift had already taken place.  'East Asia' tourists that year were 16,600,000.  'ASEAN' tourists were 10,600,000.  'Europe' was 6,700,000. 'South Asia' was 2,400,000.  'Americas' was 1,600,000.  

       If your 2023 tourist figures are correct, you have Asia at 20 million, Europe at 6 million, and Americas at 1.3 million.  Not much different than 2019, especially Europe and Americas, and certainly not a big shift from what was already happening pre-covid.

 

I remember 2019, and it was crazy packed. There was pushback at the time from locals, and politicians who were promising a reset and the search for quality tourists. That's been thrown out the window well and truly. 

[Stargeezr]

Increasing airfare prices are not a big help. Rising costs of fuel, meals etc, are also not much help.

  There will always be some travellers that can afford higher prices, but if th3e world economy is

stagnant so the tourism industry will also be mostly stagnant. Thailand Tourism department will have

to use their fantacy numbersw for a while yet. IMO

[ezzra]

Legalise the use of recreational cannabis and you'll see how many will make a bee-line to come to Thailand...