PATTAYA, Thailand – The tourism sector in Pattaya is urging the government to introduce airfare subsidies and revive domestic travel incentives to support the industry ahead of the upcoming high season, as rising energy costs continue to impact travel demand.
Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Chonburi Tourism Federation, said the proposals were discussed with Surasak Phancharoenworakul during a recent meeting focused on tourism strategies for the next six months.
Key recommendations include subsidizing 40–50% of airfare costs to stimulate both charter flights and domestic travel, as well as reviving the government’s “We Travel Together” scheme to boost local tourism spending.
The sector is facing mounting pressure from soaring airfares, which have risen two to three times due to high fuel prices and the impact of ongoing global conflicts. Long-haul markets such as Europe, Russia, and the United States have slowed significantly, while disruptions in Middle Eastern aviation hubs have further increased travel costs and complexity.
Despite lower visitor numbers, international tourists continue to generate roughly double the revenue of domestic travelers. Encouragingly, Chinese-speaking markets have shown strong recovery, with Chinese arrivals surging during Lunar New Year and Taiwan growing by 40–50%, while the Indian market continues steady expansion.
Industry leaders also pointed to regional competition, particularly from Vietnam, where lower living costs and more efficient aviation infrastructure are drawing travelers away from Thailand. Limited capacity at U-Tapao Airport has further constrained Pattaya’s ability to handle increased demand, leaving it reliant on Bangkok’s main airports.
Additional proposals include maintaining visa-free policies for key markets, introducing short-term visa exemptions for Indian travelers, and expanding long-stay visa options for investors and medical tourists. The sector also called for greater support for the MICE industry, which has been affected by government work-from-home policies, leading to reduced meetings and events.
Looking ahead, the next six months—from May to October—are expected to be a critical period for monitoring tourism trends before the high season begins. While global tensions may ease, the impact of elevated energy and travel costs is likely to persist in the near term.
The government is expected to review these proposals as part of broader efforts to stabilize and strengthen Thailand’s tourism industry during a challenging period.
Tourists gather in Pattaya as industry leaders call for airfare subsidies and renewed travel incentives to counter rising costs and sustain tourism growth.
