Hotels Across Thailand to get Relief as Ministry of Tourism Will Launch “Thai Travel Thai Plus” Scheme in September

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Thailand’s hotel sector is poised for a significant boost after the Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed plans to introduce the new Thai Travel Thai Plus (Thai Tiew Thai Plus) co-payment programme in September, a move designed to stimulate domestic tourism during the traditionally quieter travel season. The initiative, which is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by the end of August, will see the government subsidize 50% of hotel accommodation costs, up to a maximum of 3,000 baht per booking, while also encouraging increased spending across the country’s tourism economy. Midway through the government’s preparations, this Thailand Hotel News report highlights growing optimism among hotel operators, tourism businesses and airlines that the long-awaited stimulus package will inject fresh momentum into domestic travel while helping businesses cope with rising operating costs and softer seasonal demand.

The proposed programme forms part of a wider package of tourism recovery measures valued at approximately 2.45 billion baht. Alongside the hotel subsidy scheme, the Ministry is also preparing to launch initiatives aimed at reducing domestic airfares and supporting international flight connectivity. Officials believe the combined measures could generate an estimated 56 billion baht in tourism revenue while strengthening confidence across Thailand’s hospitality industry.

Government Accelerates Tourism Recovery Plans

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to finalize funding arrangements before presenting the proposals to the Cabinet. Rather than waiting for allocations under the 2027 fiscal budget, the government is seeking to utilize funds available under the 400-billion-baht emergency borrowing decree, specifically from the 200-billion-baht allocation intended to assist households and businesses affected by the energy crisis.

Officials believe using this funding mechanism will allow the tourism stimulus programmes to begin during September, rather than later in the year when Thailand traditionally enters its peak tourism season. The ministry has stressed that immediate implementation is essential to support businesses during the low season when visitor numbers and hotel occupancy typically decline.

Hotel Subsidy Designed to Encourage Domestic Travel

At the heart of the new package is the Thai Travel Thai Plus programme, which introduces a co-payment model designed to encourage Thai residents to travel within the country.

Under the proposal, travelers will receive government support covering half of their accommodation costs, with the subsidy capped at 3,000 baht per booking. A total of 500,000 travel entitlements will be made available nationwide, with each eligible traveler able to receive up to five benefits during the programme.

The scheme will operate across all 77 provinces, allowing travelers to choose destinations ranging from major tourism centers to lesser-known communities. Importantly for hotel operators, the programme will be available for both weekday and weekend stays, helping properties increase occupancy throughout the week rather than concentrating demand on weekends alone.

Accommodation bookings will be made through Thailand’s widely used Paotang mobile application, which will also facilitate the distribution of benefits and streamline participation for travelers.

Additional Spending Incentives

Beyond accommodation support, the programme also includes digital e-coupons valued at 500 baht for each redemption.

These coupons can be used across a broad range of tourism-related businesses, including restaurants, shopping outlets, one-day tour operators, car rental companies, health and wellness providers, spas, massage businesses, public transport services and chartered boat operators.

By extending financial support beyond hotels, the government aims to spread economic benefits throughout local communities while encouraging travelers to spend more during their trips. The approach is expected to provide additional opportunities for small businesses and tourism operators that rely heavily on domestic visitors.

Domestic Airfare Discounts to Support Regional Tourism

The second major initiative, branded Fly Thai All the Feelings, focuses on making domestic air travel more affordable.

Under the proposal, passengers will receive airfare discounts of 400 baht for flights to primary destinations and 600 baht for services to secondary destinations, helping encourage travel beyond Thailand’s established tourism hotspots.

Approximately 400,000 discounted seats will be offered through participating airlines, with six Thailand-based domestic carriers expected to join the programme. Promotional booking codes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging early reservations while supporting airlines facing increased fuel costs.

Government projections suggest the airfare campaign could encourage at least 200,000 additional domestic travelers while generating approximately 1.6 billion baht in wider economic activity.

Strengthening International Air Connectivity

The third proposal, known as Thailand Air Connect, targets overseas markets by supporting both scheduled commercial services and international charter flights.

With a proposed budget of 500 million baht, the programme will finance joint marketing campaigns with airlines and charter operators, supporting at least 600 international flights.

Officials estimate the initiative could generate more than 487,000 international arrivals, including approximately 87,000 charter passengers, while producing tourism revenue exceeding 23 billion baht. Hotel operators across key destinations are expected to benefit from improved international connectivity, particularly as global travel demand continues to recover.

Industry Responds to Rising Costs

The urgency behind the new stimulus measures reflects mounting pressure on tourism businesses and airlines following higher global energy prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting the Middle East.

According to the ministry, increased fuel costs have significantly raised airline operating expenses while also impacting transportation, accommodation and tourism businesses throughout the country.

Officials believe launching the support measures during the low season will help offset these challenges while encouraging continued investment across Thailand’s tourism industry.

Registration Expected in September

Although the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has completed much of the programme design, several administrative steps remain before public registration can begin.

The proposal must first receive approval from the relevant government committees before progressing to Cabinet consideration. Discussions between Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas are expected to finalize budget arrangements ahead of submission by the end of August.

If approved according to schedule, registration for Thai Travel Thai Plus 2026 is expected to open during September, enabling travelers to begin making subsidized bookings shortly afterwards. Officials have also indicated that, should the initial programme prove successful, a second phase of tourism stimulus measures may be introduced during a future low season.

A Welcome Opportunity for Thailand’s Hotel Industry

For hotels across Thailand, the planned launch of Thai Travel Thai Plus represents far more than a temporary promotional campaign. The combination of accommodation subsidies, digital spending vouchers, discounted domestic air travel and enhanced international flight support creates a coordinated strategy aimed at increasing occupancy, stimulating visitor spending and sustaining tourism businesses during one of the industry’s most challenging periods. If implemented on schedule, the programme could provide an important boost to confidence while helping strengthen Thailand’s tourism recovery ahead of the peak travel season and laying the groundwork for continued growth in the months ahead.

Reference: https://www.mots.go.th/news/1003668