Thailand tourism and impact of COVID 19 on tourist attractions with reference to Pattaya Beach

Abstract

Worldwide, tourism sector potentially growing rapidly and considered as a significant industry, accounting for 10% of world GDP, 7 % of international trade and 30 % of service activities. According to UNWTO, one in 10 jobs is associated with tourism. It plays an important role in socio-economic, cultural development and sustainable development of Thailand. According to the tourism statistics of Thailand, The number of tourists visiting Thailand increased from 35.35 million in 2017 to 38.28 million in 2018 and then to 39.80 million in 2019. The increase in visitors from 2018 to 2019 is limited to 4.24%, which is actually lower than the Thai authorities expected, significantly contributed to the country’s economy. However, COVID -19 pandemic induces negative impacts on tourism sector, socioeconomic status of locals, and culture. The study aimed to elucidate the factors encourages visiting Pattaya beach. A total of 104 locals were randomly selected as study subjects. Survey was conducted by using questionnaire. The results of the study revealed and evidenced that the pandemic influences on socioeconomic status, livelihoods and daily activities. The results of the present study demonstrated that the COVID -19 pandemic influence on socioeconomic status of local communities in the study area. Thus, it can be concluded that pandemic conditions and travel bans exerts adverse affects on economical status of locals as well country. The main objective of this study is to identify the effect of visiting Pattaya beach how it influences the visitors to choose as destination during pandemic situation or difficult times.