 |
Khao San Road Songkran water fight (Khaosod Photo/ Somjit Jaichuen) |
Thailand is doubling down on tourism as a driving force for economic revival in 2025. With the country preparing for an unforgettable Songkran water festival and expanding its spotlight to lesser-known destinations, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is steering the kingdom toward a tourism renaissance that stretches from the capital’s grand avenues to remote, culture-rich corners of the nation.
Following her return from ITB Berlin—the world’s premier travel trade show—the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting at Government House to align efforts across ministries for the upcoming Songkran celebration and broader tourism promotion strategies.
Songkran Festival to Dazzle All Month Long
This year, Songkran won’t just be a three-day celebration—it’s going national for the entire month of April. To encourage longer stays and wider exploration, events will be staggered across all five regions of Thailand, from the bustling capital of Bangkok to cultural enclaves in the north and serene southern coastlines.
The iconic celebration at Sanam Luang in Bangkok will again serve as the epicenter, promising world-class festivities that blend traditional rituals with vibrant street life. But beyond Bangkok, provinces across the country are ready to embrace the spirit of Songkran with their own unique cultural flavors and community-led events.
Thailand’s Hidden Gems Take the Global Stage
At ITB Berlin, Thailand made a powerful impression by presenting its “Hidden Gems Cities” strategy—an initiative aimed at directing international tourism toward less-visited, yet culturally rich provinces.
Eighteen “must-visit” destinations have been highlighted for 2025, including:
-
Northern charm: Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, and Sukhothai
-
Southern serenity: Satun, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat
-
Northeastern culture: Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Nakhon Phanom
-
Eastern escapes: Chanthaburi, Trat, and Sa Kaeo
This strategic shift supports regional tourism operators and promotes a more balanced distribution of tourist traffic. It also boosts the soft power of Thailand by highlighting local heritage, arts, cuisine, and craftsmanship.
Global Buzz and Billion-Baht Business
Thailand’s expansive presence at ITB Berlin resulted in more than 70,000 business negotiations and an estimated 4.4 billion baht in trade value. Tour operators from every corner of the country had the chance to network with international agents, setting the stage for future collaboration and expanded offerings for global travelers.
The “Hidden Gems Cities” concept was well-received by travel professionals from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Tourists from Germany, France, the UK, China, India, and the US showed keen interest in exploring new Thai destinations that offer authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.
Thailand’s Tourism Future Looks Bright
As the government designates 2025 the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year, efforts to enhance infrastructure, event calendars, and international flight access are all part of the bigger plan. The mix of blockbuster festivals and under-the-radar gems is expected to refresh Thailand’s tourism appeal and solidify its position as a leading travel destination in the region.
For more information, visit:
www.tourismthailand.org
www.mots.go.th
www.tatnews.org
No comments:
Post a Comment