What may have been a bold move to jumpstart the tourism sector, the Half-Half Thai Travel scheme now feels more like a lifeline, as Thailand comes to grips with the uncertainties shaping global travel.
Thailand built its tourism engine on volume, and no market delivered like China. But with Chinese arrivals nowhere near pre-pandemic numbers, Thai tourism officials are making a hard pivot: fewer tourists, but higher spenders.
Thai Airways’ turnaround shows that rebuilding trust, not just balance sheets, is key to recovery. As the airline exits restructuring, the real test will be sustaining momentum in an increasingly competitive Asian hub landscape.
A new forecast from hotel broker JLL hits a note of optimism at a time when some critics worry Thai tourism is hitting the skids. Expect people to do fewer hotel deals in Thailand this year, but for those deals to be bigger.
The Philippines may be late to the game, but it still has a shot at winning over remote workers. To compete with the likes of Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, it needs more than beaches — it needs digital infrastructure, government coordination, and a clear pitch: it’s a future-ready remote work hub.
For destinations, Dragon Trail’s data presents both a breakthrough and a warning: Safety isn’t a nice‑to‑have, it’s “the” dial that actually moves the needle.
United already claims to be the “world's leading carrier across the Pacific” – these additions, plus others already in motion, will strengthen its bragging rights over U.S. rivals.
More Chinese tourists are now choosing Vietnam over Thailand. Smart visa policies could help keep it that way. The easier it is to get in, the more likely travelers, and their wallets, will follow.