Dropping 10 places in global tourism rankings, Thailand's tourism industry calls for action

According to the latest announcement of the Travel and Tourism Development Index of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Thailand ranked 47/119, down more than 10 places compared to the ranking announced in 2022. Among Southeast Asian countries, there are 3 countries that are superior to Thailand: Singapore (ranked 13th), Indonesia (ranked 22nd) and Malaysia (ranked 35th).

The lowest index of Thailand's tourism industry, according to WEF's assessment, is for Tourism Services and Infrastructure at 2.18/7, while the overall index for Infrastructure and Services also achieved a low average score of 3.61/7.

“We are disappointed that a master plan for tourism development has not been formulated,” said Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). “The current government has good initiatives to attract tourists, such as the visa exemption program, but in terms of plans to improve infrastructure and services, we have not seen any difference from the previous government.”

Foreign tourists ride a Tuk Tuk in Bangkok, Thailand. Source: Somchai Poomlard/Bangkok Post

Following this outcome, ATTA and other tourism associations under the Federation of Thai Travel Associations will submit a White Paper to the Minister of Tourism, outlining the threats and obstacles to the development of the tourism industry in Thailand, requiring a specific long-term plan, along with greater efforts and cooperation from all stakeholders, both public and private.

Instead of providing support in a scattered manner, the Thai government should choose provinces with great potential in terms of attractions and resources, and plan the necessary infrastructure from the beginning by assessing the potential of each province, such as improving air and road connectivity, Sisdivachr said. “If the current government fails to accelerate its tourism development plan or address the current obstacles, Thailand’s ranking in the WEF index could fall further,” Sisdivachr said.

VOV.VN - In the latest report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2024, Vietnam ranked 59th, down from the WEF's assessment in 2022.

Source: https://vov.vn/du-lich/tut-10-bac-xep-hang-du-lich-toan-cau-doanh-nghiep-thai-lan-keu-goi-hanh-dong-post1097966.vov