The Tourism Authority of Thailand predicted international arrivals will nosedive by 80% to 8.2 million, generating only 396 billion baht this year. He said the tourism industry will contribute only 6-7% of GDP this year, compared with 18% in 2019. "If the travel bubble scheme can take shape during September until December, tourism is expected to generate 200 billion baht, which can support our tourism goal of 1.23 trillion earned this year," said Mr Phiphat. Domestic tourism may generate 700 billion baht this year with the support of government stimulus packages scheduled to kick off tomorrow. For domestic market stimulus, the ministry expects only half of the 18-billion-baht budget for the "Let's Travel" scheme will be used.

Source: Bangkok Post July 13, 2020 23:15 UTC