Thailand plans to open its tourism industry to recover its crumbling economy due to coronavirus lockdown. Accordingly, the country is setting up new health protocols for tourism players to follow.
Mekong Tourism Advisory Group conducted a meeting on the matter which results in plans for security and health administration certification. According to Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for international marketing at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country wants to assure tourists that Thailand is a safe tourism destination.
The health protocols include strategies and facility availability, such as hand sanitizers in public areas, soap in restrooms, high hygiene maintenance in the sites, and adequate ventilation. The board is working with related ministries to develop the framework at the moment.
“This is one of the most revolutionary moves we can make at this time. It’s a positive step, not only in creating confidence but in really protecting people who depend on the tourism industry, work in the industry and who visit us. Eventually, every country should have one,” he explained.
Also Read: Thailand Plans to Ease Coronavirus Lockdown in May
Thailand: Tourism May Fall by Approximately 65% This Year
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicted that the number of foreign tourists visiting the country in 2020 may fall by as much as 65%. Additionally, it will lead to the lowest level of tourism numbers in 14 years.
Prior to the latest projection, TAT expected roughly 33.8 million tourists to visit Thailand in March. However, the expectation lowers as Thailand assumes that there will be only 14 million to 16 million visitors this year.
The blow to Thai tourism industry is grave since it is one of biggest contributors to the economy. Also, the decline will be very sharp remembering that last year the country recorded visitation of 39.8 million foreign tourists.
Also Read: Thailand Suspends Incoming Flights to Fight Coronavirus
