New tourism strategies approved
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New tourism strategies (2015-2017) were approved today at the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn.
The strategies are aimed at boosting tourism income in 2017 to Bt2.7 trillion, up from the 2015 forecast of Bt2.2 trillion.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the strategies would be submitted for the Cabinet's approval within this month.
"We will emphasise income distribution to community. We agreed on the sourcing of more local products. For example, hotels that may distribute KitKat (chocolate) to guests may opt to distribute Khao Larm (smoked, sweet sticky rice) to help Thai farmers. We will further focus on the Muslim market which shows high growth potential. The length of stay will also be boosted," Kobkarn said.
The strategies will support the tourism master plan (2017-2021). In 2017, domestic travellers are expected to spend Bt1.6 trillion while international travellers to spend Bt900 billion.
