As travel restrictions, economic uncertainty, and a renewed interest in local heritage reshape travel habits worldwide, research and recent initiatives like the Logan County Tourism Week in Ohio underscore a growing trend: the local staycation. Events that highlight accessible attractions, free or low-cost activities, and strong community engagement are proving not only to offer residents affordable alternatives to expensive holidays but also help revive local economies and deepen civic pride.
Logan County’s Tourism Week, running through August 9, showcases a fresh approach: residents are encouraged to rediscover local gems such as the Ohio Caverns, enjoy family-oriented activities like scavenger hunts and boat rides, and participate in community-driven projects from historic tours to sidewalk sales, all without leaving their neighborhood. As described by the Director of the Logan County Visitors Bureau, this initiative is about “getting out and making memories—without needing a big trip or a big budget.” It’s a philosophy that resonates well beyond Logan County, as data and expert opinion indicate a global staycation surge in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing concerns over inflation (Peak of Ohio).
For Thai readers, the implications are far-reaching. Thailand’s tourism industry—long dominated by international arrivals and outbound holidays—experienced both severe setbacks and important lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic, when lockdowns and border closures forced millions to turn to attractions closer to home. The Thai government responded with campaigns such as “We Travel Together” (เราเที่ยวด้วยกัน), which offered discounted accommodations and activities nationwide. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), these domestic efforts provided crucial support to struggling local businesses and kept tourism infrastructure alive during the international travel slowdown (TAT Newsroom).
The rise in staycations is not just a temporary reaction; research indicates it may herald a durable behavioral shift. A 2023 study published in Tourism Management found that many travelers who first tried local tourism during pandemic restrictions reported high satisfaction with the convenience, cost savings, and sense of connection to their communities, and were likely to repeat the experience even when international travel resumed (Elsevier: Tourism Management). The study also observed a psychological benefit: staycations reduced travel stress, allowed for more spontaneous planning, and helped residents discover aspects of their home region previously overlooked.
Staycations—sometimes called “near-cations” in industry parlance—don’t just benefit residents. For local businesses, these campaigns provide steady income during traditional off-peak seasons. They also foster collaborations between tourism operators, local government, and community groups. Events like Logan County Tourism Week are often supported by volunteers and feature partnerships with businesses offering discounts, free experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours—similar to the Thai tradition of local festivals and markets where villagers, entrepreneurs, and officials work together to make an event successful.
From a cultural standpoint, local tourism can reignite interest in regional heritage, crafts, and cuisine. In the Thai context, this could mean rediscovering lesser-known historical temples, supporting OTOP (One Tambon One Product) handmade goods, exploring community forests in the North, or sampling unique local dishes in the South. As one leading tourism researcher from a top Thai university explained in a 2022 interview: “Domestic tourism is an opportunity not just for financial recovery, but for cultural revitalization. Thais can be tourists in their own land and find new pride in what makes their province unique.”
Tourism authorities around the world are now paying close attention to strategies that balance crowds and minimize environmental impact. Logan County’s event, with its mix of outdoor activities, historic tours, and small-group experiences, reflects this sustainability trend. In Thailand, national parks and popular destinations like Chiang Mai and Phuket have faced overtourism challenges, prompting park closures and new regulations to protect natural resources (Bangkok Post). Promoting off-the-beaten-track attractions, spreading tourism activity throughout the year, and encouraging slower, more meaningful travel are priorities in both Thailand and abroad.
Expert perspectives agree that government leadership and community involvement will be crucial for sustaining the momentum of local tourism. In Ohio, the coordination between the visitors bureau, business owners, and volunteers ensures diverse programming and a welcoming atmosphere. In Thailand, public policy experts have called for greater investment in infrastructure—better regional transport, digital marketing for small attractions, and expanded training for local guides—to help provincial destinations compete with the big cities and beaches (UNWTO Report). Grassroots initiatives, such as the expansion of homestays and local walking tours, also contribute to more equitable distribution of tourism’s benefits.
From a historical and cultural lens, the staycation is not a modern concept in Thailand. Before international travel became widespread in the 1980s, Thais mostly traveled within their home regions for family visits, festivals, and religious events. The newer trend lies in formalizing and rebranding these experiences (“staycation,” “workation,” “slow travel”) to appeal to younger generations and urban dwellers seeking relaxation and novelty close to home. This evolution is evident in the rising popularity of city walking tours in Bangkok, floating market day trips near Samut Songkhram, and agrotourism in rural provinces like Loei and Nan.
Looking ahead, analysts expect the staycation trend to continue, even as international travel rebounds. Factors such as rising airfares, environmental awareness, and changing work patterns (with the growth of remote work and flexible time off) all point to continued demand for affordable, accessible, and sustainable local experiences. The TAT has already hinted at future campaigns to extend “workation” opportunities and promote regional “microadventures.” A 2024 survey by Expedia found that nearly 60% of Thai respondents were interested in taking more domestic trips over the next year, with major motivators including stress reduction, supporting local economies, and discovering new hobbies (Expedia Group).
For Thai families, students, and retirees considering their next holiday, the message from recent global research and campaigns like Logan County Tourism Week is clear: there’s much to appreciate and gain from exploring close to home. Taking part in local festivals, visiting community museums, hiking new trails, or simply revisiting a favorite noodle shop in a neighboring district can offer the rest and revitalization many seek—without the time, expense, or environmental footprint of long-haul journeys.
Practical recommendations for Thai readers interested in trying a staycation include: checking provincial tourism board websites for upcoming events and discounts, planning themed weekends at local attractions, involving friends or extended family for a shared experience, and supporting small local businesses that enrich their area. Exploring one’s own province with tourist “eyes” may reveal sights, tastes, and traditions that have always been nearby, waiting to be discovered.
For a closer look at Logan County’s successful campaign, read more at Peak of Ohio. To explore current domestic travel promotions and hidden gems in Thailand, see resources from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.