The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has asked the Center for Covid-19 Administration (CCSA) to allow tourists in Phuket to visit other destinations under the 7+7 model.
The so-called 7+7 model, devised by the TAT, enables tourists who complete their seven-day stay on the island to visit and spend another seven days in another tourist hotspot, according to Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a secretary attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Tourism officials expect it to be executed this month, comprising seven tourist destinations.
If approved, the new model would include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao in Surat Thani, as well as Koh Phi Phi, Railay Beach, and Koh Ngai in Krabi.
Khao Lak, Kho Yao Yai, and Koh Yao Noi in Phangnga would also be part of the 7+7 model.
Phuket eliminated quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated foreign tourists since July 1 under a Sandbox scheme, which aims to revive the country’s tourism industry.
However, a preventive measure forces tourists to stay on the island for 14 days before visiting other destinations within Thailand.
According to Thanakorn, the Phuket sandbox had been a success to date, drawing nearly 20,000 arrivals since it opened.
Official figures say that 371,826 hotel nights with Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus certificates have been booked until late September.
Most foreign visitors have come from the United States, Thanakorn stated.
The second-highest number of foreign arrivals came from the UK. The rest traveled from Israel, Germany and France, he added.
Thanakorn explained that a total of 2,622 foreign tourists had completed the 14-day stay before leaving the island for another tourist location.
The top five tourist destinations for travelers on the island have been Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thanakorn went on.
In addition, 7,827 tourists have decided to travel to other destinations in Phuket by sea through Po Bay Pier, Chalong Bay Pier, and Rassada Pier.
