Thailand's tourism-revival strategy is to target big spenders seeking privacy and social distancing in the COVID-19 era, rather than try to attract a large number of visitors.
The pandemic provides an opportunity to reset the sector, which had become reliant on Chinese groups and backpackers.
Once the country's borders are reopened and so-called travel bubbles are agreed upon, marketing efforts will be geared toward wealthier individuals who want holidays with minimal risks, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said in an interview.
The government will initially allow a small number of arrivals, such as some business executives and medical tourists.
It is also working with the travel industry to identify and invite individuals in target demographics, which will probably include previous visitors to luxury resorts in the islands of Phuket, Samui, Phangan and Phi Phi, the minister said. Phuket is "a prototype" because it has all the needed facilities.
People will be required to pass COVID-19 screenings before traveling and upon arriving, choose a single resort island and remain for a minimum period of time.
The "high-end visitors" will be able to travel freely while they're on the island and be allowed to leave for home or other destinations in Thailand once the minimum 14 days have passed.
The country plans to court such visitors, possibly during the winter months of November-February when European and American travelers seek out warmer climates, Phiphat said.
"One person can easily spend as much as five by staying at the finest hotels," he said, adding that full and free travel should become a "thing of the past."
"If we don't use this chance to create the most benefit for the industry, Thailand will lose out," he said. "This is an opportunity to reset the entire tourism system." – Bloomberg
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar