Leisure Travel in Asia Picking Up – Phuket A Key Example of This Progress

As highlighted on the CNBC news website on 19th July 2021, leisure travel is getting back on track including in Asia. The website was quoting the statements made by the CEO of leading hospitality brand Minor International, William Heinecke, who talked about Phuket; from 1st July this year, as part of the Thai island’s “sandbox scheme”, fully vaccinated tourists from approved countries could enjoy quarantine-free entry here and arrival numbers have begun to increase.

After arriving, such travellers must stay at a SHA+ certified Phuket resort or hotel including the likes of Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas for at least seven days. Koh Samui, another Thai island, likewise allowed quarantine-free entry for vaccinated tourists on 15th July 2021. Mr. Heinecke further pointed out that recovery was being seen in the Middle East, Europe and China too, while traveller demand was for more luxury accommodation and wellness and health-focused experiences; the availability of COVID-19 vaccines was another factor he stressed, which would be key for future recovery.