Tourism authority calls for expansion of domestic travel stimulus scheme

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is calling on the government to improve the existing domestic travel stimulus programme, in the hope of boosting home-grown tourism. The current scheme provides Thai tourists with a 40% subsidy on hotel rates, up to a maximum of 3,000 baht a night, for 10 nights. It also subsidises air fares to a maximum of 2,000 baht a ticket. Travellers also receive vouchers for food and tourist attraction entrance fees, worth 600 baht on Fridays to Sundays, and 900 baht on weekdays.

The TAT is proposing that the hotel subsidy be extended from 10 nights to 15. Initially, the subsidy was available for 5 nights only, before being increased to 10 in August. TAT governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, is also proposing that the 40% rebate on flight bookings be applied at the point of sale, as opposed to passengers having to apply for it after having made a booking.

It’s understood the proposals will be presented to the government’s Covid-19 task force tomorrow, with Yuthasak hopeful that if approved, the enhancements to the scheme will further boost domestic tourism. The proposal comes as the TAT expresses concern over a number of factors potentially contributing to a low uptake in domestic trips.

The We Travel Together stimulus programme was initially launched in mid-July, after the country emerged from lockdown, and was expected to end in October. However, it has been extended several times since, with the latest extension being until the end of January. Meanwhile, some officials have called for it to be extended right through until the end of 2021.

SOURCE: Coconuts