According to SCMP, combined with a series of cultural and entertainment events, the country's tourism industry also has a new plan to waive visa requirements for visitors from European countries because this will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.
Indian tourists visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok. The Thai government has approved visa-free stays for tourists from India and Taiwan (China) for 30 days to boost tourism. The country is now considering waiving visa requirements for European countries other than Russia. Photo: EPA
Thailand, a Southeast Asian country known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches and national parks, is planning to allow European tourists to stay for up to 90 days, Prommin Lertsuridej, a top aide to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, said late last week.
Mr. Prommin Lertsuridej also emphasized plans to hold about 3,000 events such as concerts, marathons and other cultural festivals next year to attract tourists.
Since taking office in August, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has identified tourism as key to boosting Thailand's economic growth. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also said that tourism would provide a "quick win" for Thailand's economic growth program.
Thailand is temporarily waiving visa requirements for visitors from Russia, China, Kazakhstan, India and Taiwan (China) while requiring airlines to add more routes and streamline airport operations to reduce waiting times for travelers.
Thailand also plans to allow nightlife venues in some areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chonburi to extend operations until 4 a.m. starting next December.
Experts say that although Thailand has lifted most of the restrictions on tourists during the Covid-19 pandemic, the average spending per tourist has decreased compared to pre-Covid-19 levels and has not met expectations.
In 2019, Thailand saw a record number of foreign visitors, about 40 million of whom generated 1.91 trillion baht ($54.5 billion) in revenue. That year, each tourist spent an average of 47,895 baht per trip, which lasted an average of nine days, according to official figures.
Increase many activities to attract international tourists
As of November 12 this year, Thailand has welcomed 23.2 million international visitors and earned 981.7 billion baht in foreign tourist revenue. That means international visitors' spending power is currently about 12% lower than the standard spending per trip in 2019.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has set a target of lifting foreign tourism revenue back to pre-Covid-19 levels, targeting at least 2 trillion baht by 2024.
Last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the Winter Festival activities, which will include Loy Krathong, marathons, New Year and other cultural festivals. These events are designed to showcase Thai culture and attract tourists during the peak season, from November to January. About 3,000 cultural events and festivals are expected to be held next year to attract tourists.
Typically, the Loy Krathong festival will be held on the night of December 15th of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November of the Gregorian calendar every year, this year it is November 27th.
This is one of the biggest festivals that Thai people and tourists look forward to the most. In Thai, Loy means floating, Krathong is a floating lantern on the water. Loy Krathong is held in all provinces in Thailand with different events, activities, and ways of making lanterns to highlight the uniqueness of each locality.
Participating in the Loy Krathong festival, visitors will have special travel experiences, recharge both physically and mentally, thereby regaining balance in work and entertainment.
"We will design more attractions and promotions to encourage tourists to stay longer. And when they stay longer, there will be more events to keep them coming back, with a special emphasis on providing a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of entertainment activities. This is how we plan to get tourists to spend more," said Mr. Prommin, Secretary General of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
