Thailand is making a strategic move to revitalize its tourism industry by announcing the waiver of visa requirements for travelers from India and Taiwan. This bold initiative, set to begin next month and continue until May 2024, is a proactive step to draw more tourists, especially as the high season approaches.
In September, Thailand eliminated visa requirements for Chinese tourists, a pivotal market that contributed 11 million visitors out of the 39 million arrivals in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The move was highly successful in revitalizing the tourism sector.
From January to October 29, Thailand has already welcomed 22 million visitors, generating a substantial 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion) in revenue, as per the latest government data. With the new visa waiver in place, Thailand hopes to see a significant boost in tourism arrivals.
Thailand’s government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, highlighted the key details of the new policy, stating, “Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days.” This extended visa-free period is expected to encourage longer stays and more extensive exploration of the beautiful country.
India has emerged as Thailand’s fourth-largest source market for tourism this year, with approximately 1.2 million Indian tourists having visited Thailand, following behind Malaysia, China, and South Korea. This new initiative is expected to bolster the growth of inbound tourism from India even further.
The tourism sector has shown signs of recovery, thanks to increased efforts by airlines and hospitality chains to cater to Indian tourists. This move is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to reach a target of approximately 28 million arrivals this year. The Thai government aims to leverage the travel industry to offset the effects of weak exports, which have constrained the country’s economic growth.
The decision to waive visa requirements for Indian and Taiwanese travelers reflects Thailand’s commitment to fostering international tourism and facilitating a welcoming environment for visitors. As travelers from these countries gain easier access to Thailand, it is anticipated that this will have a positive impact on the nation’s tourism industry and help in the economic recovery post-pandemic.
Sources By Agencies
