Ten steps to boost arrivals

 Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said one of events set for this year is the “Discover Thainess” campaign, which will be unveiled at Italy’s Milan Expo 2015 and run from May 1 to October 31.
The ministry is also planning to hold discussions with neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to help boost tourism. It will ask these countries to help promote Thailand and link their destinations with Thailand. It also plans to boost arrivals from upcoming key markets such as Russia and Japan.
The ministry is also targeting the expatriate community as well as cruise, sport, health and medical tourism.
According to Kobkarn, the ministry will also launch activities in the provinces, such as promoting local textiles in the North and Northeast or developing certain areas as food destinations. The ministry also aims to launch light-and-sound shows at famous places. Another activity would be to promote former communities, such as Japanese, Dutch and Portuguese who once lived in Ayutthaya province.
“The ministry will promote many local areas and their uniqueness to boost tourism in provinces so people can learn more about Thai culture,” she said. The ministry added that last week’s “Thai Tourism Fair” attracted more than 600,000 visitors and generated Bt230 million.
From January 1-18, the country welcomed 1.4 million international tourists, which increased by 11 per cent compared to the same period last year.