Thailand has become known for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats. (Photo:globalwellnessinstitute.org)Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand has long been regarded asa top travel destination with its tropical islands, cuisine, historical andcultural treasures, and bustling markets. It has also become known for itsworld-class holistic wellness and health retreats.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Thailand welcomed 3.42 millioninternational arrivals to the country for medical treatment and health care,generating 140 billion THB (3.99 billion USD) in revenue. The rapid recovery oftourism after the pandemic has contributed to the growth of wellness tourism.
According to the Central Bank of Thailand (BoT) and the Ministryof Health, the country earned 11.9 billion THB from health tourism in 2021, an increaseof 47% compared to 2020.
Thailand’s five largest health tourism markets includeKuwait, Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan and China. The sector is expected to earn 25billion THB in 2023.
Thailand has introduced a Health for Wealth policy, aimingto improve health care services and wellness tourism in order to strengthen theeconomy. Notably, traditional medicine and herbs are given priorities to createprosperity for the country.
Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor forMarketing Communications at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said theauthority is coordinating with partners, airlines, tourism agents, restaurantsand hotels to promote the country’s tourism.
He said a series of events to highlight the country’s 5Fsoft-power foundations – Food, Film, Festival, Fight and Fashion - are beingtaking place throughout the year.
He emphasiesd that Thailand’s wellness tourism has a huge potentialdue to four factors, including well-trained staff, hospitality of the locals,world-class services, and reasonable prices./.
