The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled its recovery strategy for tourism in parallel of the Royal Thai Government’s third phase of easing business activities and restrictions, which was announced on 1 June and was effective immediately. TAT’s “new normal for tourism” strategy is composed of three phases.
Phase 1 will focus on adjusting services and operations to serve international travelers from the millennial generation, as this age group was identified as the most likely to return first. TAT plans to raise safety standards and foster innovations to combat the health situation, through effective and adaptable disease control measures. The plan is for tourism to now encompass less travelling, smaller gatherings, avoiding crowds and touching.
While all international flights to Thailand are banned until 30 June 2020, the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration’s (CCSA) announced that the Thai government had approved the reopening of the country to international visitors, through a “travel bubble concept”. This would limit access to Thailand to visitors from countries where the COVID-19 outbreak is well controlled, but could help kickstart recovery for the domestic tourism industry.
Phase 2 and 3 of TAT’s strategy will be implemented once international tourists are allowed back into Thailand. Measures to ensure safety will range from travels bans for visitors living in ongoing local transmission areas, who have been in close contact with any probable or confirmed cases. A medical certificate will be required upon arrival and tourists will also be required to undergo a COVID-19 rapid test screening process for reconfirmation, and then depart for a “sealed” area without making any stops in between. They will be required to install and use a tracking application on their smartphone.
TAT’s Governor also said that the country could subsidize hotels and tour operators to fuel a sustainable, long-term recovery for a sector that accounts for almost a fifth of the national GDP.
(Source: Pattaya Mail)
