Ministry aims for 30 million tourist arrivals a year by 2015
The Tourism and Sports Ministry has set a target of attracting 30 million arrivals a year, generating annual income of Bt2 trillion, within four years.
The new campaign will comprise 40 individual tourism projects and activities, and cost an estimated Bt3 billion.
Tourist arrivals this year are projected to reach 19 million, generating revenue of Bt700 billion. "The government will try to boost tourism not only from overseas, but also domestically," Chumpol said.
The government plans to establish an embassy in Uzbekistan, partly to encourage tourists from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, he said.
The ministry will continue offering visa-fee waivers to many countries, as well as travel insurance, to boost tourists' confidence in Thailand, the minister said.
"The ministry is revising the plans of five tourism-related bodies, including the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and the Tourism Council of Thailand, to ensure they are coordinated. This move should boost niche tourism markets in Thailand," he said.
The ministry also plans to establish a special unit to help private tourism operators expand in Asean countries ahead of the full launch of the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
In the domestic market, every province will receive Bt10 million to Bt20 million per year to develop and restore tourist attractions. The ministry will continue its tax-deduction measure to boost local tourism. Chumpol said the ministry also plans new sports complexes in 25 provinces.
For 2012, the ministry is asking the government for Bt42 billion to develop tourism and tourist attractions.
