Thailand, Indonesia set ambitious tourism targets for 2023 after quick rebound

By Hoang Phong January 3, 2023 | 10:10 pm PT

Foreign tourists carrying their luggage walk as they arrive at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, in Bali, Indonesia, March 7, 2022. Photo by Reuters

Thailand and Indonesia expect tourist numbers to double in 2023 after witnessing a rapid recovery since reopening.

The Thai government is targeting 25 million foreign arrivals, including five million from China, Reuters cited government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri as saying.

Thanks to its lifting of Covid restrictions and a generous visa policy, the country received 11 million foreign visitors last year, making it among the fastest to recover in Southeast Asia.

It lifted most Covid restrictions mid-year and later became one of the first to fully reopen.

Nationals of over 50 countries get a 45-day visa-free stay while visitors from 23 others can get e-visas.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, eyes 7.4 million international arrivals this year, double the number last year, news agency Antara reported.

Vietnam received 3.6 million foreign tourists last year, or 70% of the targeted number. It targets eight million this year.