Chiang Mai struggles in absence of international tourists

The tourist city of Chiang Mai North Thailand has been highly affected by Covid-19 after many travel-related businesses closed.

Prior to the pandemic, Chiang Mai received around four million international visitors a year, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) figures.

It’s estimated that in the period from January to June 2021, the tourism sector of Chiang Mai province lost over 60 billion baht (about $1.8 billion) in revenue, according to Watcharayu Kuawong, director of the Chiang Mai office of the TAT.

But relief may finally be on the way for operators of tourist-dependent businesses that have managed to hold on.

Thailand’s tentative moves to reopen its borders continue, with the government announcing plans to welcome vaccinated travelers to five more destinations in October — Bangkok, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chonburi and Chiang Mai.

Details of the reopening plan are thin at the moment, but it’s possible it will bear similarities to the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programs. Launched in July, they allow vaccinated tourists to stay on the islands without going into quarantine — though they are still subject to some restrictions.

Initially, officials will reportedly allow four districts in the province to open: Muang (Central), Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Tao. According to local media reports, these are the areas with the highest numbers of vaccinated residents.