Thailand cuts 2021 tourism forecast again

Sunday, 02 Feb, 2021 0

Thailand has again moderated its expectations for tourist arrivals this year.

It has cut its forecast from 10 million arrivals this year to five million.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Tourism Minister says if it can gain five million that would be a measure of success under current circumstances.

"The number of travellers from long-haul destinations would be insufficient to reach the goal of 10 million arrivals," Phiphat said.

With few long haul travellers expected until much later in the year, it is basing its projections on the regional Asia market.

Phiphat said Thailand needs to show it is a safe destination for travellers from China, India and Malaysia, which make up about 40% of total inbound tourism.

The Public Health Ministry is developing a ‘vaccine passport; which would be smartphone or smart card compatible.

Once it rolls out, vaccinated tourists may be able to enter Thailand.

Thailand’s mass vaccination plan is set to roll out next month and Phiphat is pushing for tourism industry workers to be included in the first priority group.

Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor

below social share icons

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

It’s easy to find perfection in Santa Barbara, but what if there was even more of your favorite finds, activities,...

We make travel accessible for everyone We believe everyone should be free to experience the world. For us, there’s no...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

We are the UK’s leading Canada travel experts Canadian Affair Company Information Founded in 1995, Canadian Affair offers an...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...

Via Croatia is a concierge-type, full-service luxury DMC working exclusively with travel agents and luxury tour operators. With 20 years...

Jet2.com is the UK’s third largest airline, flying from ten UK airports to more than 60 destinations across Europe and beyond....

Take your clients’ vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios...

Philippine Airlines (PR), also known as PAL, is the Filipino flag carrier. The company started their operations in February 1941,...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...

To say Sweden is fit for a fairy tale is not overstating it—the palaces dazzle, the boreal forests are brimming...

Nium was founded on the mission to build the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand...

Princess Hotels & Resorts is a hotel chain specialising in holiday and urban hotels located in first class tourist destinations,...

Since 1932, P&O Cruises has offered Aussies and Kiwis the opportunity to take to the seas and have the holiday...

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

Home to America’s Best Beaches, a vibrant arts community and amazing outdoor experiences, St. Pete/Clearwater is a sunny destination that...

From the beginning, ATI’s philosophy has been “innovation, not duplication.“ Developing specialized technology solutions to connect over 30,000 accommodation, attracti...