Bt2.4 tn revenue targeted for tourism
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THE GOVERNMENT and private sector are preparing more tourism packages to drive domestic travel and boost total tourism revenue from Bt2.2 trillion last year to Bt2.4 trillion this year.
“It seems that the global economy will not be good this year. However, Thai tourism should not follow that.
“Instead, it should squeeze through all the problems this year, as the industry has faced and survived many crises,” Somkid Jatusripitak, the deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, said yesterday.
To keep tourism on its growth trajectory and strengthen the overall economy this year, the government has outlined plans specifically aimed at promoting domestic tourism.
“The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Tourism Ministry are ordered to work with the private sector such as hotels, airlines and related businesses to create attractive tour packages as well as marketing tactics to encourage domestic travel throughout this year,” he said.
One of the big campaigns being planned is to hold a lucky draw for Bt1 million every month for 12 months. Tourists who purchase packages from travel agents or assigned operators will have a chance to win these grand prizes.
The lucky-draw campaign will soon be launched, probably late this month or early in February.
Besides the cash prizes, some other big gifts being planned include a car, house and travel deals.
Tourists from neighbouring countries such as Myanmar and Laos could join the campaign and have the same chance to win all the prizes as locals have.
The government is asking each tambon to promote its existing attractions or develop new products to lure visitors from outside areas. The idea is expected to help entrepreneurs increase their product line-up while local people can earn more income.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of TAT, said the agency would ask duty-free stores to join the domestic campaign by allowing local travellers to purchase duty-free products.
TAT also plans to talk with hotels across the country about offering extra discounts for local customers and to people to hold their meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions in the provinces.
Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said this year’s campaign would increase tourism revenue from this year’s originally projection of Bt2.3 trillion to Bt2.4 trillion. The new projection is up from last year’s revenue of Bt2.2 trillion.
TAT targets revenue from domestic tourism at Bt850 billion this year from more than 170 million trips while international tourists are expected to generate more than Bt1.5 trillion.
