With a nationwide lockdown and global travel ban in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling to keep afloat. Dependent on tourism to generate sales revenue, many businesses have turned to e-commerce to reach customers, both domestically and internationally.
“More than 21% of Thailand’s GDP comes from tourism revenue, meaning that the current worldwide travel restrictions has had a significant impact on the Thai economy, with many independent businesses suffering and individuals left out of work,” says Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East.
“The Tourism Authority of Thailand is keen to support local and shed light on how tourists can continue to back grassroots businesses, despite not being able to visit ‘Amazing Thailand’ at the moment. Assisting independent makers, creators and services is the key to maintaining the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry and shows the strength of our community to emerge stronger than ever before.”
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced a number of initiatives to help small businesses generate revenue during the lockdown period, including the launch of online marketplace, “Amazing Market”. With over 20,000 members, the platform connects shopper to sellers, offering a free place for local communities, entrepreneurs and restaurants to promote their products such as fruits and vegetables, textiles and accessories, and encouraging locals and residents to support local.
For international tourists throughout the Middle East, the Tourism Authority of Thailand outlines a number of ways travellers can support independent Thai brands, social enterprises and community projects to ensure a sustainable future for all.
