 IntroductionThe covid19 pandemic disrupted the international tourism industry, which is a significant contributor towards global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). There

, which is a significant contributor towards global 

 There is no doubt, that the tourism industry has made a strong recovery in 2022 and 2023. According to United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates, for the period of 

, tourism recovered to 87% pre-pandemic levels. By the end of 2023, International Tourism receipts are also expected to reach 

It is important however not to lose sight of a few points. First, the emergence of new covid 19 strains -- most recently 

 – does  create uncertainty in the minds of tourists.

Many travellers are wary of international travel and are still more comfortable with domestic travel. In addition to this, the volatile geopolitical situation because of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine conflict have caused global uncertainty.

Second, in recent years – pre-pandemic -- Chinese tourists accounted for a large percentage of tourists to different parts of the world – Europe, Australia and South-East Asia. In the aftermath of tensions between Canberra and Beijing --  in the aftermath of covid19 -- China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism had 

 a warning to tourists that they should refrain from visiting Australia. In 

, Australia received 1.43 million Chinese tourists. In spite of tensions between both countries, Australia’s 

tourism industry as well as senior Australian officials

 have said that China was important for Australia’s tourism sector.

 In the aftermath of covid19 pandemic, while there has been a gradual increase in outbound travel by Chinese tourists in recent months. The 

 and the economic slowdown has taken its toll on outbound travel of Chinese nationals – most prefer 

. One instance of domestic tourism recovering significantly is the “Golden Week” holiday in 

 which witnessed a 1.5% increase in tourism revenue as compared to 2019. This period also saw an over 

As a result, there has been a decrease in arrivals of Chinese tourists even in Asian countries. In 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for over 1/4th of foreign visitors. For the January-August period Chinese tourists fell to 

 Vietnam also witnessed a significant drop in Chinese tourists from 2019. With an eye on attracting Chinese tourists, Thailand scrapped the visa requirement for 

, but this has still not given the expected boost to arrivals.

With the rise of the Indian economy and a 

, there has been a rise in Indians travelling overseas. It is estimated that by 

, Indians are likely to spend over $40 billion on outbound travel.

Apart from the west, South-East Asian countries have also emerged as favoured destinations. The key reason for countries like Thailand, Indonesia, 

 being popular destinations for Indian tourists is their proximity and the fact that they are affordable holiday destinations. Three ASEAN nations -- 

 with an eye on attracting tourists have removed visa requirements for Indian tourists. In 2022, India was the second largest source of tourists for Thailand, with nearly 1 million Indian nationals visiting the ASEAN nation. While 

 received  nearly  1 million tourists (965,994) in 2022, between January 2023 and October 2023 itself it surpassed that number. The ASEAN nation is fast catching up with 

Sri Lanka, Kenya and Iran have also removed the visa requirement for Indian citizens.

 Thailand is has been a popular destination and it is likely to draw a large number of Indian tourists as a result of waiving of the visa requirement for Indian citizens. It is estimated that the total number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand in 

 will be over 1.5 million. Other countries like 

 are also likely to attract more Indian tourists.

It remains to be seen if other countries will simply – if not waive visa requirements – for Indian citizens. Several countries in recent years have also waived visas for Indian citizens possessing a residency or tourist visa of 

 Visa waivers by these countries could also impact India’s domestic tourism sector. Outbound travel 

 only for 1% of total travel. In the aftermath of covid, the domestic tourism-sector had benefitted significantly. It would be pertinent to point out that a trip to South East Asian nations – especially 

 – falls cheaper than many favoured destinations with India – especially Goa.

In conclusion, the international tourism sector will be unable to deal with any further disruptions. Countries dependent upon tourism -- which have already suffered due to the pandemic -- would be hoping that the global economy does not face any major disruptions. The recent decision – discussed earlier -- by countries to make travel visa free for Indian citizens is likely to be a win-win for both.

How Thailand and other countries are trying to woo more international tourists

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