Beautiful Thai islands are attracting tourists again as Covid-19 travel restrictions finally start to ease.

Aerial footage shows holidaymakers enjoying the pristine beaches and unique rock formations at the Sailing Rock and Ao Kuak in Thailand’s Similan Islands.

Visitors were still forced to wear masks - despite being outdoors in the clean air - and were given guidelines by staff before they were allowed entry at the port’s check-in area in Phan Nga province.

Ministers hope that the country's tropical islands will pull in tourists as Covid-19 cases fall and international travel resumes.

However, economists said that it could be another five years before the country’s tourism industry returns to pre-pandemic levels.

Two years ago tourism made up an estimated 21 per cent of Thailand’s GDP, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue. However, the country’s National Economic and Social Development Council predicted that it could be another five years before similar numbers are seen.

Analysts said that between now and 2026, around seven million workers will continue to be affected by the economic harm from the Covid-19 pandemic.