ONYX Hospitality Group’s Shama brand is experiencing significant growth in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, with a focus on offering hotel-quality services in spacious and thoughtfully designed accommodations. Shama caters to diverse travelers, from business professionals to families, and boasts prime locations within city centers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) experienced a remarkable surge in revenue for the fiscal year 2024, reaching THB2.2 billion (approximately $66.36 million). This significant increase reflects a booming tourism sector and the DNP’s dedication to sustainable conservation efforts. The department plans to further enhance its infrastructure and introduce online ticketing to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Cambodia has officially endorsed Thailand’s ambitious plan to simplify travel across Southeast Asia through a unified visa policy known as ‘6 Countries, 1 Destination’. This initiative, aiming to ease entry requirements for tourists from outside the region, will see Thailand become a central hub for regional tourism and promises to boost economies and cultural exchange within Southeast Asia.
Thailand’s popular domestic tourism initiative, ‘We Travel Together,’ is set for a major revamp in 2025, offering increased travel discounts of up to 50% under specific conditions. The scheme aims to further boost domestic tourism and provide significant economic benefits.
Thailand’s Tourism Ministry is pushing for Laos to eliminate visa fees for independent Chinese tourists traveling from Thailand, aiming to boost tourism revenue and cross-border travel. The move is expected to attract more independent tourists to the region, particularly through the high-speed rail connecting the two countries.
Freedomverse, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has launched ‘Discover Thailand’, a travel campaign that blends cutting-edge technology with gamified experiences. This innovative program offers travelers immersive adventures and instant rewards, transforming the way people explore Thailand.
The Elephant Freedom Project, a leading ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, has fully recovered from recent floods and is now operating at full capacity, providing unique experiences to visitors while prioritizing the well-being of its elephants. The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical tourism, conservation, and education has made it a popular destination for travelers seeking responsible wildlife encounters.
Thailand has significantly expanded its e-Visa program, now making it available to citizens of 39 countries, including key markets like the US, Canada, and the UK. This move, coupled with the introduction of a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and expanded visa-free entry policy, is designed to boost tourism and simplify travel procedures for international visitors.
Krabi Airport is gearing up for a 60% increase in passengers this high season, implementing technological upgrades, expanding check-in counters, and enhancing transport services to ensure smooth travel. The airport’s efforts aim to streamline passenger processing, reduce wait times, and position Krabi as a major transportation hub for the Andaman region.
Phu Lanka, Phayao’s highest mountain, saw a surge in domestic tourism during the recent long weekend, with visitors captivated by the cool climate, breathtaking sea of mist, and stunning sunrises. As Thailand’s domestic tourism market flourishes, Phu Lanka emerges as a captivating destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
