Survey shows travel bug spreading faster than Covid in Thailand

For the annual travel “Barometer” issued by insurer Europ Assistance, IPSOS surveyed 14,000 individuals across 14 countries around the world. Just under half of the 44 per cent of Thais planning a trip (46 per cent) are still undecided whether to opt for a staycation or travel abroad during the pandemic.

When it comes to travelling outside of their own country, Thais favour Japan, South Korea and Singapore while Chinese respondents put Thailand in their top 3.

Safety is a key concern for Thai travellers, who favour natural and isolated destinations such as the seaside (57%), the mountains (40%) and the countryside (34%) rather than crowded places like the cities. Another trend highlighted by the survey, 81 per cent said they are willing to buy travel insurance in the future, up from 11 per cent last year.

The pandemic has strongly affected travel habits, especially in Thailand and China. Despite great excitement to travel again, over 76 per cent of Thais and 73 per cent of Chinese report a high level of concern for their family and friend’s health when travelling. As a result, only a small number of holidaymakers have made bookings, and only half of Thai respondents had already booked their trips. However, this is likely a temporary trend as most respondents remain confident they will be able to travel freely under normal conditions within two years. Thirty-three per cent of Thais believe they will be able to travel by the end of 2022, and 27 per cent by the end of 2023.

Key findings from the 20th annual Barometer on Summer Holidays (June to September):

• 44% of Thais said they planned to take a trip but only 55% have already booked their trip. While travellers in Europe and China aim to travel in their own country as their preferred destination, only 37% of Chinese and 35% of Europeans claimed to have already booked at least part of their trip.

• When it comes to travelling outside of their own country, Thais favour Japan, South Korea and Singapore while Chinese respondents put Thailand in their top 3.

• The average holiday budget from Thai respondents was around 53,000 baht with 40% indicating they will be taking a holiday at a mountain destination in the coming months.

• Most respondents globally expressed a strong desire to reconnect with loved ones, with 48% of Thais, 56% of Europeans and 47% of Americans planning a family holiday in the coming months.

• 48% of Thais are comfortable with travelling by car and 42% will take a plane to their holiday destination.

• Most respondents across the world prefer to avoid crowded places (87% of Asians, 72% of Europeans, 69% of Americans) and take some action to protect themselves when travelling again, including getting vaccinated and follow social distancing restrictions. Over 86% of Thais are willing to get vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel again.

• The survey shows growing respect for the environment among travellers – 74% of Thais already use a travel bottle instead of disposable plastic, and 22% are ready to start. Almost all Thai respondents (97%) are willing to avoid wasting local resources and help the local economy by buying local products (95%) and staying at locally owned accommodation (96%).

Covid Concerns & Risk Mitigation: As the situation improves there is a positive sign that a tourism rebound will happen as travellers are ready to travel again. But travellers are stuck between excitement and concern, and they still have some reservations and COVID-19 related concerns when travelling as they remain cautious when it comes to their intention to travel or to the choice of their destination.

• More than half of respondents continue to report a high level of concern for their family and friend’s health: Asians (76% of Thais and 73% of Chinese) and Europeans (71%).

• Travellers surveyed were concerned about not being able to enjoy restaurants or bar outings (74% of Asians, 64% of the Europeans) and worried about a virus outbreak during their trip (87% of Asians and 64% of Europeans).

• Self-isolation/quarantine remains a deterrent to travel with 53% of Europeans and 46% of Americans (46%) not willing to stay isolated before and after their trip, but 83% of Thais and 75% of Chinese willing to do it.

• 81% of Thais said they are more likely to buy travel insurance in the future, an increase of 11% from last year.

• 12% of Europeans will increase their insurance coverage in the future.

• 10% of Europeans will change their destinations to closer to home or reduce the frequency of their travels.