Thai government promises more long weekends in 2021, travel bubbles after April

In a bid to further boost domestic tourism, the Thai government plans to create more holidays in 2021, as well as introducing travel bubbles after April. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, says every month in the coming year could have a long weekend, as homegrown tourists continue to be the main focus for at least the first quarter of 2021.

In addition, 1 million room nights will be added to the domestic travel stimulus scheme, which the government at one point had threatened to cancel, amid reports it was being abused. Furthermore, the Cabinet will meet on December 29 to discuss a new stimulus campaign for travellers aged 55 and over. The 5-billion baht scheme is aimed at helping struggling tour operators.

Despite all the stimulus measures aimed at the homegrown market, Phiphat admits international holidaymakers are still vital to the survival of Thai tourism. However, he says planning for their return has to wait right now, until the resurgence of Covid-19 in the Kingdom is brought under control.

“The ministry wants the private sector to think about possible plans for foreign tourists that could be implemented next year after Thailand controls the recent outbreak. I believe we still have a chance to see a beautiful year ahead.”

He adds that after the first quarter of 2021, the government may reinstate talks on travel bubble arrangements with other countries. While 56 countries can enter Thailand on a “visa exempt” basis, the mandatory 14-day quarantine remains the biggest barrier to reviving tourism in the country. Phiphat says that following requests from many hotels in different parts of Thailand, he will submit an “area quarantine” proposal to the government’s Covid-19 task force in early 2021.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post