Thailand, a popular SE Asian destination, plans to hold travel bubble talks with China and Malaysia.
This is done days after the country resumed the quarantine-free travel visa program for tourists, which is seen as a key to economic recovery which was affected due to the pandemic.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha’s government will soon discuss with the Chinese Minister for Culture and Tourism, mentioning details about the possible bilateral deal, said a spokesperson from the government on Monday.
Thai officials are also preparing to hold talks with neighbor Malaysia for potential bilateral agreements later this month.
The possible bilateral deals will help Thailand recover its pandemic-battered tourism industry after the waiver of quarantine-free tourism for vaccinated visitors and the sandbox program, which has failed to draw possible holidaymakers to the country.
The return of Chinese and Malaysian tourists, who are a large group of tourists to visit the country during the prepandemic time, is seen as a key to sustainable tourist rebound.
“We think a travel bubble will be more positive for Thailand’s tourism sector than the currently implemented ‘Test & Go’ quarantine-free scheme, as the latter alone is not enough to attract tourists who will have to quarantine on their return,” said an economist to a leading news channel.
“While the plan is a good starting point, we think a clear and strong recovery path is unlikely soon and is more likely in the second half or late this year.” He continued.
According to official data, Chinese and Malaysian tourists have contributed around $20 billion in tourism revenue. However, due to covid related lockdown in both countries, many Chinese tourists have shunned their travel to Thailand.
Under the travel bubble agreement, tourists will not be subjected to quarantine, and also they can enjoy special visa and accommodation arrangements.
The countries will also agree on a quota for travelers and identify specific zones for their movements to prevent fresh covid outbreaks.
“The government has supported the restoration of tourism in a new normal” that seeks a balance between the safety of travelers and the public, which may become the model for tourism in the future,” where the prime minister believes Thailand remains an attractive tourist destination for foreign travelers.
