Thailand's Tourism Industry Could Benefit from Donald Trump’s Travel Ban
Destination & Tourism Donald Wood January 31, 2017
On Monday, Thailand’s head of the tourism authority said the country could see a rush of tourists from the Middle East following United States President Donald Trump's recent travel ban.
According to The Bangkok Post, Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the country will need to assess the situation further following the entry ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, but thinks the tourism industry should see an increase.
“The Middle East is a big market for us, especially in the medical tourism sector. They may choose to visit Thailand more and this may also boost our sector,” Supasorn said in a statement.
In 2016, only an estimated two percent of Thailand's tourists came from the Middle East, but the Tourism Authority announced it expected an eight percent increase in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the previous year.
In Thailand, Muslims represent the second biggest religious group—five percent of the population—behind only Buddhists. In addition, one of the markets growing the fastest in Thailand is the medical tourism industry, with major operators like Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc and Bumrungrad Plc.
President Trump's travel ban was issued to protect the U.S. from Islamist militants, but several world leaders have released statements condemning the Executive Orders and protests have sprung up across the world.
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