ATTA-TTAA Propose Three-Point Strategy to Government for Managing War Crisis Impact on Tourism

The Thai Association of Travel and Tourism Businesses (ATTA) and the Thai Association of Tourism Services (TTAA) met with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenkul to discuss support measures addressing the tourism crisis. ATTA President Thanapol Cheevarataporn revealed three key strategies: First, 1,000 million baht in subsidies for 3,000 charter flights; second, a domestic co-pay travel incentive program worth 3,000 million baht covering up to 1 million people at 3,000 baht per person; and third, suspension of the 1,000 baht foreign travel tax under the 2526 BE law to prevent damage to Thailand's outbound travel market and future international flight reductions.

Thapol explained that inbound markets face pressure from rising fuel costs and shrinking long-haul markets, making support for nearby markets like China, India, and ASEAN nations critical. The domestic co-pay program strengthens tourism as a domestic consumer protection measure, while reducing outbound travel helps mitigate current international flight cancellations. ATTA has scheduled roadshows in Chinese cities including Xinjiang, Urumqi, Dunhuang, and Lanzhou from May 28 to June 4, 2569, with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and ministerial participation to strengthen the "Two Way Tourism" strategy in key markets.

The associations are collaborating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, King Power, and academic institutions including the National Science Research and Innovation Council to maximize program efficiency. The Tourism Minister reiterated the government's commitment to promoting quality tourism, separating the tourism ministry into separate tourism and culture portfolios, and implementing visa policy adjustments effectively.