The Forum focused on how to overcome the COVID-19 crisis by building the foundation for future resilient and sustainable tourism growth. All panelists agreed that the post COVID-19 tourism industry should be a new normal of sustainable tourism. 

Ambassador Singtong, the only Ambassador from Asia-Pacific region, shared examples of measures reflecting the Thai Government’s efforts to revive its economy through tourism sector. To enhance its domestic tourism, the Thai Government subsidized travel expenses under the scheme “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) and “Tiew Pun Suk” (Trip to Share Happiness), which are similar to the “Go To” campaign in Japan. At the same time, a health standard namely Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) has been issued in order to restore tourists’ confidence. Moreover, Thailand has recently opened the country for foreign tourists from low COVID-19 risk countries while those tourists are requested to undergo 14-day quarantine at the state-assigned accommodations. On his final note, he emphasized that Thailand aimed to strike a balance between health security and economic recovery.

This is the first time that the Tourism Expo Japan was held in Okinawa. The Tourism Authority of Thailand also participated in the event to promote Thai tourism industry.