Article: Phuket Sandbox: stakeholder perceptions on tourism and travel resumption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic Journal: International Journal of Tourism Policy (IJTP) 2023 Vol.13 No.4 pp.300 - 314 Abstract: This paper examines the local perceptions of travel and tourism resumption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic through the 'Phuket Sandbox' initiative. Opportunities and solutions for global travel and tourism resumption are discussed. Leveraging on the businesses, residents, authorities, visitors and environmentalists (BRAVE) stakeholders framework, interviews were conducted to obtain local stakeholders' perception of the resumption of tourism via the Phuket Sandbox initiative. Four broad categories of travel resumption are identified: resumption of domestic travel, bilateral travel, regional travel and unilateral opening up to inbound travel. The Phuket Sandbox belongs to the last category. Although different countries and jurisdictions have different considerations, priorities and approaches, this paper focuses on the pros and cons of the Phuket Sandbox model from the perspectives of the island's local stakeholders. Destinations can make reference to this particular mode of tourism resumption and decide if they have control over the conditions to replicate or adopt this form of tourism resumption. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Phuket Sandbox: stakeholder perceptions on tourism and travel resumption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Edward Koh; Tatiyaporn Jarumaneerat; Watcharapong Saikaew; Pipatpong Fakfare

Addresses: Bangkok University International College, 9/1, Moo 5, Phaholyothin Road, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand ' Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, 80 Moo 1 VichitSongkram Rd., Amphur Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand ' Keen Managementer, 144/181 Pruksa Avenue (The Plant), Vichitsongchram Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand ' School of Humanities and Tourism Management, Bangkok University, 9/1 Moo 5 Phaholyothin Road, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand

Abstract: This paper examines the local perceptions of travel and tourism resumption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic through the 'Phuket Sandbox' initiative. Opportunities and solutions for global travel and tourism resumption are discussed. Leveraging on the businesses, residents, authorities, visitors and environmentalists (BRAVE) stakeholders framework, interviews were conducted to obtain local stakeholders' perception of the resumption of tourism via the Phuket Sandbox initiative. Four broad categories of travel resumption are identified: resumption of domestic travel, bilateral travel, regional travel and unilateral opening up to inbound travel. The Phuket Sandbox belongs to the last category. Although different countries and jurisdictions have different considerations, priorities and approaches, this paper focuses on the pros and cons of the Phuket Sandbox model from the perspectives of the island's local stakeholders. Destinations can make reference to this particular mode of tourism resumption and decide if they have control over the conditions to replicate or adopt this form of tourism resumption.

Keywords: Phuket Sandbox; travel resumption; COVID-19 pandemic; tourism resumption; unilateral inbound travel.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.132223

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2023 Vol.13 No.4, pp.300 - 314

Received: 04 Apr 2022
Received in revised form: 24 Jun 2022
Accepted: 27 Jun 2022
Published online: 13 Jul 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article

Title: Phuket Sandbox: stakeholder perceptions on tourism and travel resumption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Keep up-to-date