India and Thailand have witnessed a remarkable 50% surge in travel, primarily attributed to the recently extended visa waiver initiative. The Thai authorities have generously extended the visa-free entry period for Indian travelers until November 11, 2024, significantly beyond the original deadline of May 10. This extension, coupled with a modest 5% increase in airfare, has fueled a notable uptick in reservations for trips to Thailand.
Leading travel aggregators have reported a substantial increase in searches for Thailand. For instance, ‘ixigo’ recorded an impressive 90% rise in Thailand-related searches in May 2024 compared to the same month last year. This spike is largely attributed to the extended visa waiver and the potential cost savings it offers.
Travel agencies have also observed an uptick in spontaneous travel bookings influenced by the visa waiver. Popular destinations include the breathtaking islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and the Similan Islands; the captivating cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai; the historically rich Ayutthaya and Sukhothai; the serene Khao Lak; and the picturesque Koh Lanta.
The advantage of visa-free travel cannot be overstated. It eliminates the lengthy visa application process, saving both time and money. MakeMyTrip, another prominent online travel agency, emphasized this significant advantage, highlighting the ease and convenience it provides to travelers.
