THE Thai government’s plan to levy a 500 baht (US$16) entry tax on foreigners has been strongly criticised by the travel trade for being poorly thought out and possibly a ploy to recover lost revenue for granting visa-free travel to Chinese tourists.
Aparna Basumallik, CEO of Club 7 Holidays with offices in Mumbai, Baroda, New Delhi and Bengaluru, said the Indian MICE market is extremely sensitive and can result in companies changing destinations.
Another buyer, Rashmi Chotmarada, managing director of Noida-based Touch of Class Travels, said Thailand has positioned itself as a cheap, cost-friendly destination and the levy would change travellers’ perception of this. She added: “I foresee at least a 20 per cent drop in outbound travel to Thailand if this is implemented.”
Additional reporting by S Puvaneswary
