Thailand’s strategic visa exemption policy excels Taiwanese tourism market

Thursday, February 1, 2024

The Taiwanese tourism market in Thailand is poised to cross an unprecedented milestone of one million visitors this year, thanks in large part to Thailand’s strategic visa exemption policy. This projection comes from Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), who underscores the significance of extending the visa-free scheme through the end of the year to achieve this goal.

The initiative, albeit introduced with some delay in November last year, has already shown promising results, propelling Taiwanese tourist arrivals close to the pre-pandemic levels observed in 2019.

In 2019, Taiwan sent 781,000 tourists to Thailand, a figure that was approached in the following year with 724,000 arrivals, despite the global economic downturn and the late start of the visa exemption. This resilience in the Taiwanese market is noteworthy, especially considering the broader challenges faced by other Northeast Asian markets. It highlights not only the strong economic fundamentals of Taiwan, with an average annual GDP growth of 3.17% between 2016 and 2023 that exceeds the global average but also the adaptive nature of Taiwanese tourists.

The visa exemption policy has played a crucial role in facilitating this growth, making travel to Thailand more accessible and appealing for Taiwanese visitors. This ease of travel, coupled with Thailand’s rich cultural offerings and natural beauty, encourages more frequent visits and longer stays. Moreover, there has been a noticeable shift in travel preferences among Taiwanese tourists, moving away from traditional large tour groups to smaller, private groups. This trend aligns with a growing demand for personalized experiences, luxury accommodations in 4-5 star hotels, and an interest in exploring local Thai culture and cuisine.

This evolving landscape of Taiwanese tourism in Thailand reflects broader changes in the travel industry, where tourists are increasingly seeking authentic, high-quality experiences over standardized tour packages. For Thailand, meeting this demand means not only continuing the visa exemption policy but also enhancing its tourism offerings to cater to the sophisticated tastes of Taiwanese travelers. As Thailand aims to welcome over a million Taiwanese visitors, the focus will likely be on promoting sustainable tourism practices, diversifying tourist attractions, and ensuring a hospitable environment that encourages repeat visits.

The anticipated milestone of one million Taiwanese tourists represents not just a recovery to pre-pandemic levels but a step towards a more dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between Taiwan and Thailand in the realm of tourism.

« Back to Page

• Sri Lanka prepares for tourism boom: Anticipates spike in last-minute bookings amid 2024 travel surge projections

• Vietnam’s visa exemption policy expansion will cover more countries

• European tourism plan visa exemption