ATM fee waivers among travel incentives sought
The Tourism and Sports Ministry has prepared several measures to boost domestic travel during the year-end period.
MinisterKobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the ministry had asked all commercial banks to waive ATM withdrawal fees between December 31 and January 4. The banks were also asked to feature attractions and promote travel on the screens of their automated teller machines during the New Year festival.
Kobkarn said her ministry had also urged 3,000 PTT petrol stations that provide rest areas to clean up and improve their facilities as well as to promote tourism by providing travel information to motorists. About 300 stations will join the campaign in the first phase before it is extended to other PTT outlets.
Another measure is to invite general people to join a social-media campaign. Tourists can photograph themselves and share "selfies" with friends with the hashtag Thailandonly. Selected photos will be displayed on 1,250 screen at BTS Skytrain stations, 84 screens at train stations, and 1,000 screens at buildings. Eight giant 200-square-metre LED (light-emitting diode) screens will feature the photos.
Furthermore, 100 participants will have a chance to win free packages to travel to 12 destinations promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. About 164,000 photos are already stored at the TAT. Meanwhile, the TAT and insurance firms are promoting a special deal on travel insurance for foreign tourists while the Kingdom is under martial law.
