With a boost from easier visa requirements, the Thai tourism sector is rebounding

According to a report released on Sunday by the Thai Hotels Association, the recovery began in the middle of this year, when the occupancy rate in July significantly increased from 38.2% in June (THA). THA anticipated an increase in foreign tourists after the reduced fee for Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas went into force in September. The visa allows for the inclusion of up to four family members, including children under the age of 20. The government additionally grants tourists visas.


This policy is in effect from October 1 until March 31. THA reports that as a result, several hotels have begun to hire new personnel so that they can undergo training ahead of the peak season (November to early March). The Tourism Hospitality Association (THA) has cautioned hotel owners to prepare for elements that will harm tourism for the remainder of the year, such as high inflation that will reduce travelers’ purchasing power, a shortage of skilled workers in the hospitality industry, and the possibility of a new wave of Covid-19 infections. The national hotel occupancy rate jumped to 47.5% from 45.1% in August, and it is projected that it will rise much further this month when Thailand lifts all restrictions. Travelers arriving from 18 countries without a visa, for instance, will have their 15-day stay extended to 30 days, and visitors from 50 nations who obtain a 30-day stamp will be allowed to stay for 45 days. According to THA statistics, a Thai visitor stays in a hotel for an average of 1.7 nights whereas a foreign visitor stays for an average of 3.3 nights. They are a group with higher expenses as a result. According to the THA, the majority of tourists are from Asia and the Middle East, followed by those from western Europe. On September 1, the price of an LTR visa dropped from 100,000 to 50,000 Thai Baht. This visa is available to four different visitor types: high net worth individuals, retirees, people looking for jobs in Thailand, and professionals. Hotels that mostly serve visitors have resumed operations as of July after being shut down for several months due to the outbreak.