Significant changes took place in tourism of Thailand recently; the country slowly opens its gates so travelling will be possible to more locations step-by-step. We interviewed Ms. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prague Office, who shares some views and current tourism situations about one of Hungarian’s favourite destinations, Thailand.
How would you evaluate the period since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand’s tourism life?
The spread of the pandemic has been a direct and pressing challenge for all countries, including Thailand, which the tourism industry accounts for around one fifth of the Thai economy. This pandemic is more than just a global public health emergency, but an unprecedented challenge facing humanity and human security. So far, Thai tourism businesses have been very adaptive to the effect of the pandemic. Many service providers have focussed on improving the quality of hygiene and sanitation to ensure the health safety of incoming visitors and the local people. The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) project, a unique certification scheme aimed to ensure the sanitation and safety standards of Thailand’s tourism products and services, has also been implemented by TAT and the related parties. Furthermore, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has certified the SHA certification to be on par with the WTTC SafeTravels global health and hygiene standardised protocols.
Which tourism sectors were most affected and how?
As Thailand has relied largely on the tourism industry, a long pause of tourism activities has affected every sector and individuals. Therefore, I am certain that everyone in the industry has shared the same feelings through this challenging time since the wake of the outbreak up until now. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. With the united cooperation of all tourism stakeholders and partners, I believe the industry has passed the downturn period and is gradually entering the ongoing recovery stage.
How did you try to offset the loss?
It is hard to imagine Thailand with a very limited number of international visitors for nearly two years. To encourage the revival of tourism at the earliest possibility will help to ensure the survival of the industry. What we have done is started to resume domestic tourism, followed by the reopening of several pilot destinations to foreign tourists. These endeavours aim to initially boost the local economy.
How did you begin the opening and where?
We started with Phuket, one of the most favourite destinations of many. In July 2021, the “Phuket Sandbox” model was first implemented. By that time, under the Sandbox model, Phuket had achieved vaccination to over 75% of the island’s population and curbed the number of new COVID-19 cases to be close to zero before the end of June 2021. Phuket’s vaccination programme as of 12 September has seen 92% of the local population receive their first vaccine dose, while 81% have completed the two-dose series. The island of Phuket is more than ready to welcome back fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine requirements and also working on addressing other safety measures to safely welcome back all visitors.
Were the visitor numbers according to your expectations?
The reopening of Phuket signifies a crucial step forward in the revitalisation of Thailand’s tourism industry with the island serving as a pilot destination. It is indeed wonderful to be welcoming visitors once again. Since the implementation of the programme until mid-September, nearly 35,000 fully vaccinated tourists have enjoyed the “Phuket Sandbox”. International travellers have come to Phuket on direct international flights operated by major airlines from major airports around the world. With over 160,000 room nights currently on the books for September, the three-month total for July to September is presently at over 500,000 room nights. As the number is positively still building up, the “Phuket Sandbox” has become the successful model for other tourist destinations in other countries.
Which parts of the country will be opened this year?
After the opening of Phuket as the first pilot area for Thailand’s travel resumption, travellers can now extend their trip to Ko Samui including Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao, or Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai, and Railay Beach in Krabi province, or Khao Lak, Ko Yao Yai, and Ko Yao Noi in Phang-Nga province. After the completion of 7 nights in Phuket, plus 7 nights in the selected areas in Krabi, Phang-Nga, or Surat Thani, and upon receiving a health all clear, visitors can travel to other destinations in Thailand. After many months of a tourism break, now we can see expansive beaches with powdery white sand complemented by crystal-clear turquoise water. This is an excellent opportunity for tourists, and particularly for professionals engaged in distant work and their families, to escape from the local winter and spend time in the warm and sunny “Land of Smiles”. If the situation in any area is effectively controlled, the next step of the reopening plan will be released cautiously. Every night is followed by day, and we anticipate sunny skies will return in the not-too-distant future.
Do you plan any official fairs, TTM-s this year or only next year?
To organise major events and fairs is subject to the pandemic situation in all parts of the world. It is too soon to determine the definite time frame of events at present. However, if the situation permits, TAT and the related tourism agencies stand ready to get back on track and welcome back visitors and our friends of Thailand. No matter now or then, travelling to Thailand will be even more amazing, and the Thai hospitality will also certainly add impressive moments into your trips as always. For more information on updates of Thailand’s tourism, please visit www.tatnews.org or contact tatprague@tat.or.th.