Thailand ‘s recent decision to waive visa requirements for Indian travellers is expected to trigger a significant surge in tourism to the already popular destination, according to Indian travel associations and service providers.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that travellers from India and Taiwan will have visa-free access to Thailand from November 10th to May 10th this year. This move, initiated after a cabinet meeting, aims to revitalize the country’s tourism sector.
BOOSTING THAI TOURISM
The decision aligns with Thailand’s efforts to boost its tourism industry, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thailand welcomed 22 million visitors between January and October 29, resulting in a revenue of 927.5 billion baht, equivalent to $25.67 billion, as per the most recent government data.
MALAYSIAN TOURISTS LEAD THE WAY
According to the latest data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourists from Malaysia have constituted the largest group of visitors this year, with over 3 million arrivals. They are followed by Chinese tourists, who held the top position in visitor numbers before the pandemic, with 2.65 million arrivals as of October 15. The visa-free entry for Indian travellers is poised to diversify and further enrich Thailand’s tourism landscape.
This strategic decision is anticipated to create positive ripples in Thailand’s tourism industry, welcoming Indian and Taiwanese tourists to explore its diverse and culturally rich landscape, strengthening international ties and revitalizing the country’s economy.
