As Indians look at international holidays once again, Thailand beckons with its pristine, accessible shores. We spoke to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor for international marketing (Asia and South-Pacific), Tanes Petsuwan, about Thailand’s sustainability initiatives, health safety protocols, and plans for the Metaverse. By Ranjan Pal
Thailand has always been a popular tourism destination among Indians. It’s close by, it suits both budget and luxury travellers, and it has the right mix of pristine beaches and wild parties. It’s likely that with the pandemic’s perceived risks receding, travel restrictions easing, and now an air bubble in place between India and Thailand, Indians will flock to the island country for a much-needed vacation. In fact, the Southeast Asian country expects to welcome at least 1,50,000 Indian tourists by the end of the year, says TAT deputy governor Tanes Petsuwan.
Here are excerpts from our interview with him:
T+L India: Climate change is now the top global issue that affects us all. Some island countries have developed marine conservation policies focussed on specific species, and this is becoming an important consideration in attracting beach tourism. What plans does TAT have in this area?
Tanes Petsuwan: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism at both domestic and international levels. Some of the campaigns or activities we are working on are:
- The 7 Greens Concept has been initiated by TAT to encourage tourists and all parties in the tourism industry to take responsibility and join hands in creating a new environment-friendly future.
- For nearly 20 years, Thailand Tourism Awards has been recognising the travel industry’s best and brightest for their excellence in delivering remarkable service and experiences to tourists.
- The Green Leaf Awards are given to hotels and resorts for developing both the quality of the environment and their services.
T+L India: There have traditionally been direct flights from major Indian cities to popular cities like Bangkok and Phuket. Are there any plans to expand the list of Thai destinations with direct flights?
Tanes Petsuwan: I believe once the situation is back to normal and there is increase of demand, there would be flights [on routes] such as Kolkata–Chiang Mai or Mumbai–Samui in the future. TAT will also encourage airlines to connect Tier-II and Tier-III cities in India with Thailand.
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T+L India: The Covid-19 health crisis has put the industry’s focus firmly on health safety and traveller confidence. What steps has TAT taken in this regard?
Tanes Petsuwan: With all the travel and tourism associations in Thailand, TAT has been working with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Public Health to launch the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration project, or SHA, since May 2020. The SHA project aims to make tourism a part of the overall national preventive measures and ensure that both Thai and foreign tourists have a positive experience. SHA certification covers all travel and tourism products and services in Thailand—from tourists’ arrival to accommodation, transportation, restaurants, wellness, shopping, sports recreation, attractions, departure, etc. In April 2021, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) recognised the SHA certification programme to be on par with the WTTC Safe Travels global health and hygiene standardised protocols.
T+L India: What kind of tourism trends and numbers do you foresee for Thailand in 2022? What fraction of that footfall do you predict coming from India?
Tanes Petsuwan: TAT expects to generate a total revenue of 1.28 trillion Baht (around 38.78 billion USD), with 656 billion Baht (19.87 billion USD) from the domestic market (160 million trips) and 625 billion Baht (18.93 billion USD) from the international market (10 million tourists). The average expenditure for domestic tourists is estimated at 4,100 Baht per person, and for foreign tourists at 62,580 Baht per person. If, by April 2022, travel restrictions are eased and there is an increase of flights to 50% of the pre-pandemic period, I hope we can welcome at least 1,50,000 Indian tourists by the end of the year.
T+L India: The popular tourist site Maya Bay recently reopened after a long closure. How much has that ecosystem recovered and how does Thailand plan to balance tourist footfall and ecological sensitivity?
Tanes Petsuwan: Maya Bay was closed since mid-2018 for marine and island rehabilitation and it reopened on January 1, 2022. It has seen improvement in terms of environment and natural resources. There will be an upgrade of facilities to manage tourist numbers. Boats will no longer be able to land on the beach. Instead, they’ll have to dock at the pier in Loh Samah Bay. From there, visitors will walk along a series of raised boardwalks to reach Maya Bay. The walk is expected to take around 10 minutes with the boardwalks preventing foot traffic on the actual island. Only eight boats will be permitted to dock at once, and hourly numbers will be reduced to around 300—they will all need permits from the marine national park authorities. Daily numbers will be limited to around 2,000.
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T+L India: All destinations and businesses seem to be embracing digital platforms post COVID. How does TAT plan to give potential travellers a unique digital experience? Are there any plans for the Metaverse?
Tanes Petsuwan: TAT will be elevating its innovation approach with a plan to introduce a TAT Amazing Influencer, using the virtual charter technology to create a personalised experience in the Metaverse. TAT will enhance marketing and digital knowledge by creating a hybrid work system allowing staff to work remotely and effectively in line with the plan to promote Thailand as a remote-work-friendly destination.
Related: India Enters An Air Bubble Arrangement With Thailand
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