The tourism hot-spot Thailand seems to be not in a hurry to welcome international tourists until 2021. During a recent virtual seminar Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya of Thailand’s tourism authority said that there has been no discussion about immediate opening of the tourism industry in Thailand. Chattan added that talks on tourism have been put on hold owing to the surge in Covid-19 cases in the neighboring countries including Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
He also indicated that the Thai government may not reopen this year. He added that in spite of the financial loss that may be incurred due to not opening the tourism industry, locals seem more concerned about rise in Covid cases resulting from incoming of foreign tourists
“The Christmas period, usually a high-season, is now in jeopardy, and I’m even looking all the way to Chinese New Year in February, which is an iffy proposition at best now, he said in a report.
As per a report by Bangkok Post, Thailand witnessed a record of 39.8 million foreign tourists last year. This number is approximately equal to half of the country’s population.
This announcement comes as a back-step to world tourism sector after a few countries like India, United States, France , etc. decided to open up their tourism sector for foreigners.
(Feature image source: Forbes.com)
