Various Activities to Be Prepared for National Tourism Year

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will propose that 2018 be designated the "national tourism year,” with various activities to be prepared for this occasion. The proposal will be submitted to the National Tourism Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, for endorsement.

The tourism campaign in 2018 will focus on attracting more quality tourists rather than increasing the number of tourist arrivals. Emphasis will also be placed on tourist safety and sustainable tourism.

Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Pongpanu Svetarundra said that the number of international tourists visiting Thailand from January to June 2017 was 17 million, or 2.8 million each month on average, generating 876 billion baht.

The number represented an increase of 4.4 percent, and the tourism income grew by 6 percent over the same period of 2016. The top market was China, followed by Russia and Malaysia. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports still attaches great importance to all groups of tourists and to community tourism for local people, so that they can benefit from the tourism industry, as well.

Meanwhile, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Yuthasak Supasorn said that TAT would use tourism to promote sustainable development, with the community as the ultimate beneficiary. This would pave the way for Thailand to become a preferred destination among international visitors.

As for the 2018 fiscal year, which begins in October 2017, TAT will change its marketing angle slightly, with a new concept of "Open to the New Shades of Thailand.” The concept will deepen the Unique Thai Local Experience to a Million Shades of Thailand. It will enhance the country’s image as a land of amazing diversity worth discovering further.

Regarding the international marketing strategy, TAT has segmented target customers worldwide, ranging from first-timers to repeaters, senior citizens to sports enthusiasts. It will also focus on niche markets and continue to create a brand image as a high-end and luxury travel destination.

Gastronomy tourism will also be emphasized. It is regarded as an important part of the travel through local experiences and one of the tools to add value to products and services that are based on the unique Thai culture and ways of life.

The Government expects that Thailand’s tourism revenue will reach 2.76 trillion baht in 2017. The amount is expected to increase by 10 percent to 3.1 trillion baht in 2018.