Tourism operators are urging the new tourism minister to give cash coupons to foreign visitors to spend in Thailand, similar to practices in other countries, and plan ahead for next year's low season immediately.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also said it will propose extending the domestic tourism co-payment scheme, which subsidises trips, with the remaining funds from the first phase, which will end on Oct 31.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee of the Tourism Council of Thailand said that the government should consider quick-win measures or incentives to compete with other destinations in Asia.
Examples include travel cash coupons that foreign tourists are able to use at any store, which would distribute income to local communities, resembling a similar scheme that has been implemented in Taiwan.
The tourism industry could face even more challenges next year, as US tariffs will have an impact on the global economy and could result in a tourism slowdown, Mr Ratchaporn said.
