Thailand’s tourism sector is preparing for a revitalized rollout of its popular ‘We Travel Together’ (Rao Thiew Duay Kan) scheme in 2025, aiming to further stimulate domestic travel with enhanced discounts reaching up to 50% under specific conditions. This ambitious initiative is expected to undergo a Cabinet review early next year.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed on Tuesday that discussions on the funding source for this revamped scheme are currently underway with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, with the aim of reaching a conclusion before the end of October.
The proposed expansion of the scheme, originally launched by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government to revitalize domestic tourism after the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, seeks to build on the program’s previous success. The initial scheme, spanning five phases, offered Thai travelers a 40% subsidy on room rates, contributing significantly to the country’s economic recovery.
Under the revamped plan, Minister Sorawong has proposed a significant increase in the subsidy, offering a 50% discount to travelers visiting 55 second-tier provinces during weekdays. Meanwhile, those traveling to first-tier provinces or venturing out on weekends will continue to receive the standard 40% subsidy. The ministry aims to finalize the details of the program by the first quarter of 2025, ensuring its implementation during the low season, a crucial period for the tourism industry.
To address concerns about potential loopholes that emerged in previous phases, where hotels were allegedly involved in fraudulent activities to exploit the subsidies, the ministry plans to introduce stricter oversight mechanisms. This renewed focus on transparency and accountability ensures the integrity of the scheme and maximizes its benefits for both travelers and the economy.
The previous five phases of the ‘We Travel Together’ initiative reportedly cost the government 24 billion baht while generating a remarkable 58.62 billion baht for the Thai economy. The revamped program aims to build upon this success, utilizing stricter oversight and enhanced incentives to further encourage domestic travel and revitalize the tourism sector.
This revamped scheme promises to be a significant boost for Thailand’s tourism industry, offering attractive travel discounts and a unique opportunity for domestic travelers to explore the diverse offerings of their country. The program’s success will depend on its effective implementation and the government’s commitment to ensuring its integrity and transparency.
