T hailand as a tourism destination has been severely struck. T he tourism-reliant destination took a hit from the onset due to the Chinese Government suspending air transportation on January 23. Chinese tourists are the main source market for T hailand, accounting for 43% of arrivals in 2019, according to GlobalData.
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- In-depth analysis of the ASEAN countries as tourist destinations
- Detailed analysis of the key source markets, trends, and issues
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- Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on visitation to the region
- Projections for tourism’s recovery in the coming years
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Chinese tourists are the main source market for T hailand, accounting for 43% of arrivals in 2019. Credit: GlobalData.
From the suspension of airlines, to the closures of hotels and attractions, to now the economic impact of Covid-19 affecting animals and sanctuaries in T hailand. It has become obvious that the tourism machine in T hailand relies on all the cogs to be in working order for it to be a success.
T he T ourism Authority of T hailand (T AT ) predicted a revenue loss of $3.05bn from fewer Chinese tourists from January to April. It is probable that this number could rise higher as tighter travel restrictions are implemented, meaning travellers from other countries are now staying put. T he decline has been swift and sharp.
T he graph shows historic and forecast international arrivals in T hailand between 2015 and 2023. T he forecast figures are subject to change as the implications associated with Covid-19 are causing international arrivals to rapidly decrease.
Due to drastic decreases in tourism numbers, caretakers are struggling to feed many elephants in sanctuaries within T hailand. T he reduction in tourism numbers creates a huge economic loss for many industries in the T hai tourism sector. T he fact that the wildlife, a major attraction in T hailand, cannot be fed illustrates the ripple effect that Covid-19 is creating.
T he government and T AT must work with sanctuaries to ensure helpless animals are fed. T his can be done by providing bailouts so sanctuaries can operate. Elephant sanctuaries are considered a key tourist attraction in T hailand and attract thousands of tourists every year. It is in the T hai Government’s interest to assist these sanctuaries. T he government and tourism authorities must liaise in order to proactively manage this situation.
T here are other ways in which the elephant sanctuaries can be saved. Promotions can be set up to encourage worldwide donations and persuade other charities to assist. T he Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival (EARS) foundation has set up a foundation to help provide provisions and care for elephants at risk. T his charity should be heavily promoted. T hailand’s destination marketing organisation (T AT ) can also promote this to reach overseas markets.
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Find tourism opportunities in the ASEAN region
- In-depth analysis of the ASEAN countries as tourist destinations
- Detailed analysis of the key source markets, trends, and issues
- Leveraging of GlobalData’s datasets to explore trends related to international arrivals and spending, tourism segments, construction, airlines, and hotel developments
- Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on visitation to the region
- Projections for tourism’s recovery in the coming years
