Tourism Leaders Urge Thailand to Offer Vouchers to Boost Foreign Visitor Spending

 

Tourism Operators Call for Cash Vouchers to Attract Foreign Visitors

Thailand’s tourism industry is pushing the new tourism minister to introduce cash vouchers for international travellers, hoping to stimulate visitor spending and protect local income ahead of next year’s low season

Here’s what the proposal entails, why it’s being considered, and what it could mean for travellers and local businesses.

What is Being Proposed

• Tourism Council of Thailand, represented by vice-president Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, recommends travel cash coupons for foreign tourists. These vouchers could be used broadly at retail outlets, eateries, tourist-service providers, etc.

• The idea is modelled on similar incentive systems in other Asian destinations, like Taiwan.

• Also proposed is extending the domestic tourism co-payment scheme past its deadline (Oct 31), using remaining funds to sustain momentum. 

Why This is Urgent

• The tourism industry anticipates a slowdown during next year’s low season. Incentives are viewed as one way to maintain visitor numbers and spending.

• Global economic headwinds — including trade and tariff concerns, especially from the US — threaten to dampen tourist demand.

• There’s also competition from neighbouring countries offering incentives to tourists. Hence Thailand wants to stay competitive.  

For Travellers: What This Could Mean

• If adopted, foreign visitors may receive vouchers or coupons on arrival or via some registration.

• Vouchers could be valid at many businesses—shops, restaurants, entertainment venues—not just tourist attractions.

• Could result in lower out-of-pocket costs for travellers when exploring locally.

Potential Benefits

• Vouchers could help distribute tourist spending more widely, benefitting small local businesses and communities, not just major hotels or prime tourist spots.

• Boost to retail, food & drink, entertainment sectors as tourists use vouchers for everyday services or purchases.

• Helps smooth out dips in demand during off-peak times.

What Needs to Be Considered

• Implementation logistics — how vouchers will be distributed, redeemed, what value, what limits.

• Preventing fraud/misuse, ensuring they’re accepted widely and fairly.

• Awareness — tourists must know about these vouchers; local businesses must be ready to accept them.

• Cost to government vs benefits.

Suggested Internal Links (from travelmantoday.com) 

•  Thailand to provide dometic tickets to tourists

• What happened to the Free Domestic tickets? 

 Suggested:

• Tourism Authority of Thailand-Official Site 

• Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Thailand — regulatory information