Despite the on-going impact of Covid-19 on international travel, Thai tourism appears to have lost none of its appeal, both at home and abroad. A set of recent studies have put Thailand top of the list of desirable destinations for returning international travellers, while another poll among the Thais themselves indicates high levels of confidence in the Kingdom’s preparedness for a safe revival. As the country begins to reopen borders and lift restrictions, the latest news augers well for a return to normal international tourism operations in the near future.
Social research agency Blackbox Research examined the opinions, preferences and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries with regards to travel in a post-Covid-19 world. Results showed that many are looking to Thailand as their destination of choice. Travellers from Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and India all confirmed they are targeting Thailand as their first destination when international travel restrictions lift. Experts predict that travellers’ confidence in safety protocols in their chosen location will play as much a part in post-pandemic travel choices as the desirability of the destinations themselves.
“Thailand’s currently low rate of coronavirus infections, and its strong public health system played a key role in its tackling of the pandemic,” explains Saurabh Sardana, who is COO of Blackbox Research. “The country is well-placed to be recognised on the regional and global stage as a trusted destination,” he added. The study by Blackbox research also discovered that 82% of Thais are confident their country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. This high rating put Thailand top of the list of countries studied.
Reinforcing this outlook with global data, Thailand has also been ranked the world’s safest destination for travel during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to information provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and International Health Regulations. The results, which looked at factors such as infection reporting, cases per capita and transport controls, were collated by Germany-based travel company Tourlane.
At the end of July, Thailand was also ranked number one in a list of 184 countries assessed in their recovery by the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI), according to data from the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security in the United States and the Global Health Security Index. The GCI provides a reliable assessment of global health security in countries worldwide and an indication of each nation’s progress in recovering from Covid-19.
For now, Thailand’s airports and borders remain closed to international tourists. However, the latest set of studies indicates that, when the time comes, Thailand will be ready to reopen safely and successfully. With traveller safety and client confidence top of the agenda for travel companies, Thailand’s combination of safety, readiness and favourable reputation puts the Kingdom in pole position for the international tourism revival, when it comes. Panorama Destination will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as soon as news becomes available. To get the latest info, check out our social media channels.
