Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Thailand recently approved a 22.4 billion baht ($720 million) plan to boost domestic tourism of the country. The move comes as the national borders of the country continue to remain closed to foreign tourists due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thailand’s economy largely depends on foreign tourism alongside exports. Both the sectors have been harshly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday, it was announced after a Cabinet meeting that as a part of the latest plan, visitors will be subjected to pay 60% of hotel accommodation bills whereas the government will take care of the remaining expense that is up to 3,000 baht per night and for no more than five nights. In addition, benefits like discounts for air tickets and concessionary travel packages for 1.2 million health workers and volunteers will also be provided. The program will cover a maximum of 5 million room nights and 2 million air tickets from July 1 to October 31.
The decision arrived at a time when the country failed to welcome foreign tourists since the month of April and had no related spending. The situation has put millions of jobs in danger and the gross domestic product of the region is also likely to decrease as much as 6% for the year. Therefore, officials have decided to provide a 1.9-trillion-baht stimulus package to support and protect the economy of the country.
Thailand has also been declared as the second country in the world that has undertaken exceptional measures to fight the pandemic. The nation has also gradually lifted the coronavirus lockdown after the graph of fresh COVID-19 infection spiraled downwards. The country is also considering the creation of travel bubble with countries such as China and Australia, which could allow some tourists to come back to the land. As of now, most incoming international flights continue to remain banned until the end of June.
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Thailand, Thailand Tourism
