Thai tourism operators have urged the government to discuss a long-term mutual visa-free scheme between Thailand and India, which is set to become the third-largest economy in 2027.
Thailand is seeking measures to lure more Indian visitors. (Photo: The Nation)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thai tourism operators haveurged the government to discuss a long-term mutual visa-free scheme betweenThailand and India, which is set to become the third-largest economy in 2027.
Somsong Sachaphimukh, Vice President of the Tourism Councilof Thailand, was quoted by the local media as saying that the current temporaryvisa exemption for Indians has helped to accelerate the Indian market.
She said positive momentum should continue for all of 2024 as the Ministry of Tourism planned to extend the scheme for two years after the current schemeends on May 10.
The Indian market provided the fifth-largest number of arrivals, with258,269 tourists as of February 18. India has been projected to overtakeGermany as the world's third-largest economy in 2027, after Germany recently replacedJapan in the third rank.
In the long run, a mutual visa-free programme between Thailand and India shouldbe discussed to promote tourism and trade for both countries as it wouldincentivise airlines to provide more flights, she said.
At present, flights between Thailand and India are increasing, evenwith slots restricted to only six major cities in India, she said.
Somsong said the government should look into attracting flights from India'ssecond-tier cities, which have strong demand and high purchasing power, such asAmritsar and Pune.
She said the Thai Government should also support charter flights to U-tapaoAirport in Chonburi and Chiang Mai Airport in addition to Phuket, and upgradeduty free shopping at those airports.
Suksit Suvunditkul, President of the southern chapter of theThai Hotels Association, said India remained in the top five largest sources of tourist arrivalsin Phuket. In January, 25,524 Indian tourists travelled to Phuket via its international airport./.
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Thailand is seeking measures to lure more Indian visitors. (Photo: The Nation) 
