Omicron situation hasn’t hit Koh Samui tourism so far: association
Koh Samui has not been affected so far by the Omicron variant as foreign and Thai tourists continue to visit the Surat Thani island, the Tourism Association chairman said even as tourism businesses voiced concern about the government’s latest move to suspend the Test & Go programme.
On Monday, it was reported that three tourists on the island were infected with Omicron.
Koh Samui Tourism Association chairman Ratchaporn Poolsawat said on Tuesday that the three tourists were tested under prevention measures. They were isolated on the island courtesy of the Public Health Ministry and are undergoing treatment.
He believes the Omicron situation will not affect tourism on the island as the number of tourists and bookings have increased until New Year.
Around 8,000 foreign tourists entered the island under the Test & Go scheme this month, which allowed more hotel and restaurants to reopen, he said.
Meanwhile, tourism businesses are worried after the government decided to suspend the Test & Go programme. They feel it will affect tourism in Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao.
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Ratchaporn said tourism operators were ready to cooperate with the government in following public health measures. However, they wanted the government to consider the economic aspect too.
They wanted the government to find a solution to increase safety but did not agree with re-introducing quarantine or, worse, closing the country altogether because it would affect tourism.
