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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002723

Summer Wanderlust: Island vacation awaits with IHG Hotels & Resorts in Phuket

Welcoming vaccinated international travellers from 1 July onwards

After closure of its international borders for over a year, Phuket reopens today and will welcome vaccinated international travellers back for a long-overdue island vacation. Nothing says welcome like beautiful, lofty palm trees, cool ocean breeze, pristine white sandy beaches and iconic Thai architecture and design to satiate the summer wanderlust with IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Even though it’s a different world right now, globally guests are looking for a chance to get out and explore the world – with more than half saying they plan to rebook cancelled trips from 2020. Almost 40% said that they were most looking forward to being able to sightsee – with 23% saying that they wanted to see something new according to a recent IHG consumer survey.

Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts: “The reopening of Phuket to vaccinated travellers marks a positive step, not just for Thailand but for Asia too. We are making more meaningful progress towards global recovery, with vaccine rollouts, ease of restrictions and an acceleration in economic activity. We are confident that Thailand’s booming tourism industry will return – history has shown us this before and we know there’s pent up demand for travel when people can do so again.

As we look ahead, we’ve all had a lot of time to think about what travel means to us, what trips are most important, and how we want to reconnect with loved ones. So, whether it’s that longed-for family beach vacation, a weekend getaway with friends, your first in-person business meeting, or a special anniversary trip – our family of 16 brands is ready to welcome travellers back with confidence, as we embark on the next chapter of travel.”

All IHG Rewards members will enjoy 5,000 bonus points per stay, daily breakfast, guaranteed room upgrade, 25% off food and beverage as well as early check-in and late check-out, when they book a five-night stay by 25 July 2021 for stay from 4 July to 23 December 2021. To find out more about IHG Rewards or sign up for a complimentary membership, please visit www.ihg.com/rewards. Rediscover the island life with IHG Hotels & Resorts at its four SHA Plus certified* hotels and resorts now:

InterContinental Phuket Resort

Nestled on the powder-soft sand of Kamala Beach, InterContinental Phuket Resort resides in the most exclusive area on the stunning west coast of Phuket. Opened in late 2019, it is the latest hotel to open under the global luxury brand in Thailand. Inspired by the natural landscape of its location, the beachfront resort features a collection of 221 elegant rooms and villas with panoramic view of the Andaman Sea and is surrounded by pine forests.

Also available at the resort are four restaurants and bars, including Jaras, a modern Thai fine-dining that celebrates sustainably sourced products from the island’s fishermen and farmers. Sati Spa offers exceptional signature treatments specially designed with the guests in mind. From treatments featuring customized flower scents based on guest’s day of birth to the world’s first unique application of Khit triangle pillow to enhance the comfort and benefits of Thai massage.

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong

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Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong

Patong paints an electrifying scene – its tropical forest, neon lights and fishing boats that are festooned with bright sashes making up Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong’s neighbourhood’s story.

Drawing inspiration from Patong’s deep cultural roots and the resort town’s spectacular surroundings, its design concept infuses hues from the island’s natural environment. Patterns from Sino-Portuguese architecture and motifs from Patong’s fishing village heritage are woven throughout the hotel, as each area represents different aspects of the beach town. Not to be missed – the hotel gym pays homage to Thailand’s signature combat sport, Muay Thai, while its guestrooms blend the bright colour palettes of its local nightlife with a coastal fishing theme.

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket

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A firm family favourite in Phuket, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket is one of the first resorts to open in Patong Beach. It offers dedicated Kids’ Pool and a Kids’ Club with an array of wholesome fun and education activities, both on land and in the water. For those travelling with young children, treat the family to a Kids’ Suite with either a ‘Pirate’ or ‘Sea World’ theme, or the interconnecting Family Suite that provides two bedrooms for additional privacy. Kids stay and eat free at all Holiday Inn hotels and resorts.

Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong

Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong

Situated in the heart of Patong, Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong is perfect for savvy travellers looking for a fuss-free stay. Just steps away from a myriad of entertainment and shopping options such as Bangla Road and Jungceylon Shopping Mall, and a 15-minute drive to the historic Old Phuket Town. Start each morning with a free Express Start® Breakfast or Grab and Go option and stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, guests will stay assured and safe with the enhanced IHG Way Of Clean using new, science-led protocols and service measures in partnership with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey – including IHG Clean Promise to give guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed.

Please note: As announced by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, international travellers, who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days before the travel date, can now travel to Phuket under the “Phuket Sandbox’ scheme from 1 July 2021 onwards. All travellers under the scheme are required to stay in SHA-Plus certified hotels. For the latest travel guidelines to Phuket and Thailand, please visit www.tatnews.org.

*The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus certificate indicates that a business not only has in place the required safety and hygiene standards for Covid-19, but that at least 70% of its employees have been fully vaccinated.

High resolution images of participating hotels can be access here.

Published : July 02, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002724

Qatar Airways Touches Down in Phuket with a Traditional Water Cannon Salute as the Famed Holiday Getaway Reopens To International Tourism

Airline now operates four weekly flights to Phuket with Airbus A350, offering 36 seats in Business Class and 247 in Economy Class

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Phuket today as the Thai holiday island reopens to welcome fully-vaccinated international tourists. This marks a significant milestone in the rebound of international leisure travel, with the airline operating four weekly flights between Doha and Phuket serviced by an Airbus A350, offering 36 seats in Business Class and 247 in Economy Class. In addition to its 12 weekly Bangkok flights, the airline will operate a total of 16 weekly flights to Thailand, providing seamless connectivity for its passengers travelling from Europe, the Middle East and United States via the most connected and Best Airport in the Middle East and ‘Third Best Airport in the World’, Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways Touches Down in Phuket with a Traditional Water Cannon Salute as the Famed Holiday Getaway Reopens To International TourismQatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “With the resumption of flights to Phuket, Qatar Airways marks a significant milestone in the recovery of international tourism. We have led the industry, setting the benchmark for safety, innovation and customer service throughout the pandemic.

“We know many of our customers are eager to get back flying and return to some of their favourite holiday destinations, such as Phuket. Famed for its many exotic beaches, family friendly atmosphere, turquoise waters and delicious local cuisine, Phuket is an ideal destination for a summer getaway. We look forward to working with our partners in Thailand to support the recovery of their tourism sector.”

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mr Yuthasak Supasorn said: “It is extremely encouraging to see world-leading carriers like Qatar Airways returning to Phuket the very moment the destination reopens, and doing so with confidence as can be seen in the schedule of multiple weekly flights. It’s a wonderful indication of Phuket’s endearing popularity with international tourists, who are obviously keen to once again enjoy the island’s legendary beaches and welcoming hospitality.”

Launched in 2010, Phuket became Qatar Airways’ 93rd destination at the time. The resort destination is a magnet for holidaymakers, particularly from Europe, the Middle East and United States. Starting from 1 July 2021, international tourists who have been fully-vaccinated at least two weeks prior to their flights and have a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure are able to enter Phuket and move within the provincial island freely without quarantine.

As travellers return to the skies with Qatar Airways, they can take comfort knowing that they are travelling with the only airline in the world that has, together with its state-of-the-art global hub Hamad International Airport, achieved four 5-Star Skytrax ratings – including the prestigious 5-Star Airline Rating, 5-Star Airport Rating, 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating and 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. These achievements highlight Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing its passengers with an industry-leading experience at every point of their journey, including the highest possible level of health and safety standards that safeguard the wellbeing of its passengers both on the ground and in the air.

Phuket schedule starting 1 July: (All times local)

Doha (DOH) to Phuket (HKT) QR 840 departs 02:55 arrives 13:30 (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Phuket (HKT) to Doha (DOH) QR 841 departs 02:30 arrives 05:30 (Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

Published : July 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002720

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket welcomes first international guests as part of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ programme

Resort gives a safe and warm welcome to travellers from overseas with SHA Plus+ certified hygiene standards and a range of new guest experiences.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, a luxurious beachfront resort owned and operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has officially welcomed its first international guests as part of Thailand’s ‘Phuket Sandbox’ programme for travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

A Dutch national who is flying to Phuket from Singapore will receive an especially warm welcome when he checks in to the resort as the first overseas traveller to arrive for a two-week vacation at the property this evening. International visits like this, made possible by Phuket Sandbox, signal a positive step forward for Thailand’s embattled tourism industry, which has been hit particularly hard by the knock-on effects of COVID-19 and prolonged border closures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket welcomes first international guests as part of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ programme

By allowing vaccinated travellers from overseas to visit the island with no quarantine requirements, the Phuket Sandbox model serves as a unique and experimental platform for driving the wider reopening of major tourism provinces, and Dusit is determined to do everything it can to help make the programme a success.

“The Phuket Sandbox model marks a significant milestone on Thailand’s journey to the full reopening of its borders, which is planned for October this year,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “It gives hospitality companies like ours a unique opportunity to build confidence among international travellers by hosting them according to the highest health and safety standards while delighting them with our services. At the same time, the authorities will be able to collate essential data towards identifying the systems, processes, and infrastructure needed for the safe, widespread opening of the kingdom to international travel. Collaboration and the sharing of ideas will be essential to the success of this project, and we will continue to work closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and others so we can learn together, progress together, and all prepare for a strong high season to come.”

More than 70% of Phuket’s population has been vaccinated to allow for the island’s reopening, as has all of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket’s staff. The TAT also introduced a new sanitary safety standard, SHA Plus+, which is awarded to properties that strictly follow official COVID-19 control guidelines and uphold the highest hygiene standards. In total, Phuket is home to 1,389 SHA Plus+ certified establishments. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is one of 882 hotels to receive certification.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket welcomes first international guests as part of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ programme

The TAT expects between 400 to 500 international travellers to arrive in Phuket on 1 July, when the Phuket Sandbox model is officially launched. Reservations on the books for Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket in July stand at approximately 40% occupancy. The number of international arrivals in Phuket is expected to be around 129,000 within July to September, rising from Q4 onwards.

“It’s important to remember that this is a pilot project, so there is still some learning to do before we attract very high numbers of international travellers to the island,” said Ms Suthumpun. “The most important thing is that we have now started our journey to recovery, and we will continue to do everything we can to provide assistance and assurance to our guests so they fully understand how the Phuket Sandbox model works and can travel to and stay at our resort with utmost peace of mind.”

Set on the white sands of Bang Tao beach overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket comprises 253 elegant rooms, suites and villas. Amongst other facilities, it offers five dining outlets, a fully equipped gym, tennis and sports courts, a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a watersports centre, a children’s play area, and easy access to the neighbouring 18-hole Laguna Phuket Golf Course.

Guests can also enjoy a range of complimentary activities reflecting responsible tourism practices. Among some of the options offered are guided tours to support local fishing villages; sustainable crafts workshops such as upcycled tie-dye and bag painting; cooking classes featuring locally sourced ingredients; and Thai cultural workshops where guests can learn more about the history of Phuket and the island’s unique traditions and customs.

Dusit’s new group-wide wellness concept, Devarana Wellness, also offers complimentary activities that enhance emotional and physical resilience, such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork. A Family Retreat Programme, meanwhile, features a mini-farm workshop, educational kids camp, stand up paddleboarding, and other entertaining and enriching experiences for adults and children alike.

To mark its opening, the resort is offering three special Back to Paradise packages inclusive of free nights, daily breakfast, and other exclusive privileges. For more details, please visit: https://www.dusit.com/dusitthani-lagunaphuket/specialoffers/back-to-paradise/

Published : July 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002648

Thailand open again! TAT declares via YouTube video clip

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a video clip on YouTube titled “Thailand now open” on Monday highlighting the country’s many attractions in a bid to bring back tourists.

In the description, TAT says: “Phuket is preparing to welcome back fully vaccinated local and international visitors without quarantine requirements from July 1, 2021.”

The Cabinet last week gave the go-ahead to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s decision to reopen Phuket on July 1 and Surat Thani’s Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao islands on July 15.

Under Phuket’s sandbox scheme, foreigners who can prove they have been fully inoculated against Covid-19 and test negative can fly in and move around freely without having to quarantine. After staying in Phuket for 14 days, they can travel to other provinces if they test negative for a second time.

Thailand open again! TAT declares via YouTube video clipThailand open again! TAT declares via YouTube video clipThailand open again! TAT declares via YouTube video clip

Published : June 30, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002590

THAI Offers Privileges and Discounts to Passengers Traveling to Phuket

THAI is providing special privileges to passengers traveling to Phuket on both THAI and THAI Smile flights as well as Royal Orchid Plus members.

Mr. Nond Kalinta, Chief Commercial Officer, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), reveals that in support of the Government’s Phuket Sandbox initiative, THAI is providing special privileges to passengers traveling to Phuket on both THAI and THAI Smile flights as well as Royal Orchid Plus members. Details are as follows:

Privileges at over 42 hotels in Phuket: discount of accommodation, food & beverages, and airport shuttle service. Hotels under Accor, Marriott, Centara, and Banyan Tree chains and many leading hotels have taken part in this campaign. Every hotel is accredited with the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA Plus) of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Public Health to ensure the highest standard of customer hygiene and health safety.

Food and beverages discount at over 24 renowned restaurants such as THAI Catering Restaurant in Phuket, Blue Elephant, Three Monkeys, The Boathouse Phuket and The Pavillions Phuket etc.

Complimentary iFree sim card: single day use for basic and Silver Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) cardholders and three-day use for Gold and Platinum ROP cardholders.

Discount at Sixt Car Rental: 55% discount for THAI boarding pass holders and additional one day first class car insurance for ROP members who rent a car for at least three days.

Privileges for several leisure activities by showing THAI or THAI Smile boarding pass with ROP membership card such as discount from sea tours, museum, golf course, and spa.

Shopping discount from participating shops and department stores.

Terms and conditions are specified by THAI. For more details, please visit https://www.thaiairways.com/en/offer/privileges/amazing-phuket-getaway.page.

Published : June 29, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002552

‘Vaccinated, Safe Travel!’ with Thai Vietjet from just THB99

The promotional fares are available on http://www.vietjetair.com, applied to all Thai Vietjet’s domestic flights in Thailand

Thai Vietjet today launched its exclusive promotion “Vaccinated, Safe Travel!”, offering special fares starting from THB99 (not inclusive of taxes, fees, and add-on services) for travel on the airline’s entire domestic flight network. The special fares are available for booking from June 28 – July 2, 2021 with travel period from July 5 – October 31, 2021 (exclusive of public holidays) at http://www.vietjetair.com.

In addition, as part of Thailand’s domestic travel recovery stimulation and to encourage Thai people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, Thai Vietjet announced the special benefit to passengers by offering free seat selection option to fully vaccinated passengers. From July 1 – September 30, 2021, Passengers who present a document (paper or Mor Prom mobile application) proving their completed vaccination status (two doses) at the check-in counter will be able to select their preferred standard seat without fee (terms and conditions applied).

The promotional fares are available on http://www.vietjetair.com, applied to all Thai Vietjet’s domestic flights in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Hat Yai , Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani. The tickets are also available on all other distribution channels including http://www.vietjetair.com, mobile app

‘Vaccinated, Safe Travel!’ with Thai Vietjet from just THB99

“Vietjet Air”, via Facebook at facebook.com/VietJetThailand by clicking “Booking” tab, as well as travel agencies and booking offices. Payment can be easily made with ‘True Money Wallet’ and international debit/credit cards.

In response to the new wave of COVID-19, Thai Vietjet determinedly continues flight services for passengers to travel on all its network as air travel is one of the safest travel alternatives during COVID-19. Named as the fastest growing low-cost airline in Thailand 2020 by The Global Business Outlook Award, the carrier has been strictly performing aircraft disinfection daily throughout its fleet in compliance with Thai Ministry of Public Health.

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Published : June 28, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002456

Searches surge for Phuket as Airbnb launches #RediscoverThailand campaign to drive tourism

Internal Airbnb data shows spike in demand for Stays in Phuket ahead of its reopening, especially from the US, France, UK, Germany and Russia Searches for Phuket increased approximately 80% in June, up from January this year Long-term stays of 28 days and longer comprised over a third of all Phuket searches in the past 30 days

Airbnb today announced a new global #RediscoverThailand campaign that aims to energise Thailand’s tourism recovery in the second half of 2021. In line with the Thai Government’s goal to gradually reopen the country to inoculated international travellers, starting with Phuket’s reopening on 1 July, #RediscoverThailand seeks to leverage Airbnb’s global platform and data insights to drive international and domestic travel to and around Thailand.

In fact, Airbnb is already seeing surging interest across the globe with searches for Phuket increasing approximately 80% in June, compared with searches in January of this year*. In the past 30 days alone, searches for Airbnb Stays in Phuket spiked by approximately 3.8x in the United Arab Emirates, over 2x in the Netherlands and over 1.5x in Japan. Long-term stays of 28 days and longer comprised over a third of all Phuket searches.

Searches surge for Phuket as Airbnb launches #RediscoverThailand campaign to drive tourismWorking with content creators around the globe to shine a light on the country’s magical destinations, culture, communities and cuisine, Airbnb’s #RediscoverThailand campaign will include a dedicated #RediscoverThailand travel microsite on Airbnb.com that will highlight SHA Plus certified listings, and thrilling one-of-a-kind consumer activities. The campaign kickstarts with a focus on driving travel inspiration and trips to Phuket ahead of the Phuket Sandbox initiative, and will expand to highlight more cities as Thailand safely reopens key destinations to international travellers.

From spotlighting local neighbourhoods to off-the-beaten-path destinations, lesser known beaches to mountainous getaways and local farms, Airbnb’s #RediscoverThailand campaign will encourage more travellers to rediscover the country in a new light. Rural getaways are already trending domestically, and Airbnb Hosts in rural areas earned over THB 270 million welcoming local guests during the past year**.

International travellers look to Phuket ahead of Phuket Sandbox

While Thai beach destinations remain popular among domestic travellers this year, Airbnb data for the past 30 days*** shows a recent spike in travel interest to Phuket:

The top five international countries where Airbnb guests are booking from are in respective order, the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia.

Notably, there was an increase in travel searches from specific corridors. Searches for Airbnb Stays in Phuket spiked approximately 3.8x in the United Arab Emirates, over 2x in the Netherlands and over 1.5x in Japan.

Since the pandemic, Airbnb has seen a blurring of lines between work and travel and a significant shift towards long-term Stays as people choose to Live Anywhere. In fact, long-term stays of 28 days and longer in Phuket comprised over a third of all Airbnb searches in the past 30 days – unsurprising as Phuket was recently named #1 in the world for digital nomads.

Domestically, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Hua Hin and Pattaya rank as some of the most-booked destinations by domestic travellers so far this year.

Searches surge for Phuket as Airbnb launches #RediscoverThailand campaign to drive tourismAmanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Airbnb shared: “Thailand remains one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and our data suggests that the world is eagerly anticipating the country’s reopening. We are proud to work with our Host community to support a healthy and more sustainable form of travel, as well as help drive exciting and creative initiatives to spotlight lesser known, off-the-beaten-path destinations. As Thailand gradually reopens to the world, Airbnb is thoroughly committed to continue working with the Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector.”

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Manosit Jangjob, Founder and Former President of the Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium said: “Boutique hotels in Phuket have been severely impacted by the pandemic over the past year. As Thailand gradually reopens to international travellers, we are heartened that Airbnb is helping to spotlight unique experiences and accommodation that will keep our country top of mind for guests planning their first overseas trip. We are excited for them to discover all that our island has to offer, including our unique cultural heritage and hidden gems.”

Safety remains a top priority

Health and safety remain a top priority as travellers continue to look for safe, comfortable settings in which to connect with family and friends. Recognising this importance, and to align with evolving COVID-19 policies around the world, Airbnb’s health and safety practices now include that Hosts and guests must agree to follow their local laws and guidelines on masks and social distancing. As part of Airbnb’s industry-first Airbnb Enhanced Clean protocol, Hosts must also agree to implement Airbnb’s five-step enhanced cleaning process.

Airbnb recently announced a new partnership with global provider Sherpa, an online tool that provides travelers with real time travel rules for their destinations. Travelers can explore destinations and get information on corresponding COVID-19 related requirements, such as testing, quarantining and mask guidelines. This will help guests plan their trips and navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 restrictions.

Guests are also reminded that they can view their Host’s cancellation policy prior to booking. With Airbnb’s flexible cancellation policy search filter, guests can search for listings that offer free cancellation until 24 hours before check-in, avoiding any strict cancellation policy listings from their search results entirely. Hosts recognise that guests are seeking flexibility at these uncertain times, and now almost two thirds of active listings globally offer a moderate or flexible cancellation policy.

Note

*Based on internal Airbnb data on Phuket searches from Jan 2021 to Jun 2021.

**Based on internal Airbnb data on Thailand rural host earnings from Mar 11, 2020 to Feb 14, 2021.

***Based on internal Airbnb data on Phuket searches from May 16 – Jun 16, 2021.

Published : June 25, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40002147

Survey shows travel bug spreading faster than Covid in Thailand

Forty-four per cent of Thais plan to make a trip between June and September this year, according to a global survey of Covid-affected travel trends released on Thursday.

For the annual travel “Barometer” issued by insurer Europ Assistance, IPSOS surveyed 14,000 individuals across 14 countries around the world. Just under half of the 44 per cent of Thais planning a trip (46 per cent) are still undecided whether to opt for a staycation or travel abroad during the pandemic.

When it comes to travelling outside of their own country, Thais favour Japan, South Korea and Singapore while Chinese respondents put Thailand in their top 3.

Safety is a key concern for Thai travellers, who favour natural and isolated destinations such as the seaside (57%), the mountains (40%) and the countryside (34%) rather than crowded places like the cities. Another trend highlighted by the survey, 81 per cent said they are willing to buy travel insurance in the future, up from 11 per cent last year.

The pandemic has strongly affected travel habits, especially in Thailand and China. Despite great excitement to travel again, over 76 per cent of Thais and 73 per cent of Chinese report a high level of concern for their family and friend’s health when travelling. As a result, only a small number of holidaymakers have made bookings, and only half of Thai respondents had already booked their trips. However, this is likely a temporary trend as most respondents remain confident they will be able to travel freely under normal conditions within two years. Thirty-three per cent of Thais believe they will be able to travel by the end of 2022, and 27 per cent by the end of 2023.

Survey shows travel bug spreading faster than Covid in Thailand

Key findings from the 20th annual Barometer on Summer Holidays (June to September):

• 44% of Thais said they planned to take a trip but only 55% have already booked their trip. While travellers in Europe and China aim to travel in their own country as their preferred destination, only 37% of Chinese and 35% of Europeans claimed to have already booked at least part of their trip.

• When it comes to travelling outside of their own country, Thais favour Japan, South Korea and Singapore while Chinese respondents put Thailand in their top 3.

• The average holiday budget from Thai respondents was around 53,000 baht with 40% indicating they will be taking a holiday at a mountain destination in the coming months.

• Most respondents globally expressed a strong desire to reconnect with loved ones, with 48% of Thais, 56% of Europeans and 47% of Americans planning a family holiday in the coming months.

• 48% of Thais are comfortable with travelling by car and 42% will take a plane to their holiday destination.

• Most respondents across the world prefer to avoid crowded places (87% of Asians, 72% of Europeans, 69% of Americans) and take some action to protect themselves when travelling again, including getting vaccinated and follow social distancing restrictions. Over 86% of Thais are willing to get vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel again.

• The survey shows growing respect for the environment among travellers – 74% of Thais already use a travel bottle instead of disposable plastic, and 22% are ready to start. Almost all Thai respondents (97%) are willing to avoid wasting local resources and help the local economy by buying local products (95%) and staying at locally owned accommodation (96%).

Covid Concerns & Risk Mitigation: As the situation improves there is a positive sign that a tourism rebound will happen as travellers are ready to travel again. But travellers are stuck between excitement and concern, and they still have some reservations and COVID-19 related concerns when travelling as they remain cautious when it comes to their intention to travel or to the choice of their destination.

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• More than half of respondents continue to report a high level of concern for their family and friend’s health: Asians (76% of Thais and 73% of Chinese) and Europeans (71%).

• Travellers surveyed were concerned about not being able to enjoy restaurants or bar outings (74% of Asians, 64% of the Europeans) and worried about a virus outbreak during their trip (87% of Asians and 64% of Europeans).

• Self-isolation/quarantine remains a deterrent to travel with 53% of Europeans and 46% of Americans (46%) not willing to stay isolated before and after their trip, but 83% of Thais and 75% of Chinese willing to do it.

• 81% of Thais said they are more likely to buy travel insurance in the future, an increase of 11% from last year.

• 12% of Europeans will increase their insurance coverage in the future.

• 10% of Europeans will change their destinations to closer to home or reduce the frequency of their travels.

Survey shows travel bug spreading faster than Covid in Thailand

Published : June 17, 2021

By : The Nation