Thai people are showing positive sentiment toward domestic tourism and are looking to dust off their suitcases and travel again when it is possible, according to a survey by the regional online travel booking site Agoda.
A third of Thai people would consider domestic travel within the first two months after restrictions are lifted, with one in five ready to go on a trip immediately, the company said.
The survey of four key Southeast Asian markets showed that more Thais (20%) are intent on hitting the road again right after restrictions are eased for domestic travel than their peers in the Philippines (8%), Malaysia (12%) and Vietnam (5%).
The results were based on a survey conducted by the pollster YouGov from May to August this year. It surveyed 2,072 adults in Thailand in late August, 1,102 in the Philippines in June, 1,107 in Malaysia in May, and 1,103 in Vietnam in July. Among the other Thailand findings:
Male Thais (50%) are marginally more likely to embark on a domestic trip within the next six months than female Thais (45%), with 22% of male respondents considering domestic travel right after restrictions are eased, compared to 19% of females.
Within the same time frame, more Generation X Thais (1965-80) are eager to travel domestically (51%), followed by Millennials (1981-96) at 49%, Baby Boomers (1946-64) at 47%, and Gen Z (1997-2009) at 41%.
Thais are also optimistic about the domestic travel outlook in the next six months, with 3 in 5 expecting they will be able to travel again -- with 38% anticipating they will be able to do so freely, compared to 23% who expect to be able to travel but under some restrictions or through travel bubbles or corridors only.
More male respondents are inclined to think that in six months travel will be jump-started again (63%) compared to females (59%).
Corresponding to travel enthusiasm, more respondents from Gen X (70%) are optimistic that domestic travel will return in the next six months, followed by Millennials (60%), Baby Boomers (56%), and Gen Z (54%).
During the times when they were able to travel during the pandemic, Thai respondents said their top domestic travel experiences were discovering new destinations and travelling outside main tourism areas to lesser-known destinations (tied for first choice), and rediscovering destinations they had previously visited with a new perspective (third). Supporting independent hoteliers and local businesses and taking advantage of special value-added packages that include F&B, spa promotions or room upgrades, rounded out the top five.
The survey also highlighted changes in destination preferences for post-pandemic trips. Cabin fever and social distancing have given rise to a growing interest in outdoor destinations. Thais are more likely to choose those that involve enjoying natural scenery and the countryside. In contrast, people are less likely going to visit urban attractions.
"We are thrilled and heartened to see the domestic travel enthusiasm of Thai people, as they have embraced the efforts of the government, online travel agencies and operators to revive the hard-hit tourism sector by still travelling to local areas," said Tom van Duin, country director for Thailand of Agoda partner services.
"With beaches, mountains, bustling cities and quiet retreats, Thailand offers something for everyone. As restrictions lift, we hope to work with hotel partners to ensure Thais still get great value deals across the country so they can continue to explore and support the hospitality industry."