Thailand targets THB4 trillion in tourism revenue under new draft plan

The government is pressing ahead with efforts to upgrade Thailand’s tourism industry and make it a key driver of sustainable economic growth, deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana announced on Saturday (October 31, 2026).

At its second meeting of 2026, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, the National Tourism Policy Committee discussed the approach to drafting the Fourth National Tourism Development Plan (2028–2032), which aims to increase the economic value of tourism.

The draft plan focuses on improving the quality of tourism products and services, expanding markets for visitors with high spending power and distributing income to small businesses and communities.

It sets targets of at least THB4 trillion in total tourism revenue and a top-30 global ranking for Thailand in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI).

Upgrading Thai tourism

Lalida explained that the new plan would focus on raising the quality of tourism products and services to international standards, alongside developing infrastructure and facilities.

Cruise and yacht tourism offer strong revenue potential, but Thailand still needs to develop sufficient cruise terminals and yacht marinas to meet demand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will coordinate with relevant agencies to establish a clearer framework for developing this infrastructure, helping Thailand attract international visitors with high spending power.

Building long-term tourism opportunities

The committee also discussed building on Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to turn interest from meeting delegates and international travellers into long-term tourism opportunities.

This would involve cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, TAT and the private sector to promote tourism activities showcasing Thai identity and appeal internationally.

It would also link tourism routes in areas close to Bangkok, such as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, while expanding both short-haul and long-haul markets.

Short-haul priorities include Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

For long-haul markets, the focus is on promoting major events, working with tour operators and expanding airline partnerships to support travel to Thailand throughout the year.

Lalida added that a proposal had been put forward at the meeting for year-round provincial tourism calendars to systematically link festivals, culture, attractions and community activities with travel routes.

Information would be published in multiple languages to help Thai and international tourists plan their trips in advance.

Incentives to encourage travel to multiple destinations within each area would also be considered.

Agritourism and seasonal fruit tours, particularly in eastern provinces, would also be promoted to expand opportunities to sell produce and generate income directly for farmers, small businesses and local communities.

Advancing e-Visa services

The meeting also considered ways to make travel easier for visitors from promising markets, particularly Mexico and Colombia, as well as Uzbekistan and Belarus.

TAT is preparing to submit recommendations on Monday (November 9) for the relevant committee to consider visa exemptions for all four countries.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating improvements to e-Visa services to reduce processing times and obstacles to visa applications.

The proposals remain under consideration by the relevant agencies and have not taken effect.

The meeting also discussed improving the efficiency of arrival clearance at Suvarnabhumi Airport to shorten waiting times and make entry easier for tourists.

On preparations for the administrative structure for tourism and culture, the committee was briefed on progress with the work and the preparation of related draft legislation, which is scheduled to be submitted for parliamentary consideration on Wednesday (November 4).

It also approved the establishment of a tourism strategy subcommittee for the transition period, chaired by Weerasak Kowsurat, chief adviser to the deputy prime minister.

The subcommittee will prepare for the transition and coordinate work among the relevant agencies to ensure continuity in tourism operations, while taking account of administrative efficiency and minimising any potential impacts during the transition.

On the proposed tourism fee for foreign tourists, the committee was informed that public consultation had drawn a positive response.

Details are being finalised and related issues carefully considered before the proposal is submitted to the Cabinet for consideration as the next step.

The measure remains under consideration, and collection has not begun.

“The government prioritises increasing the economic value of tourism while improving service quality and standards, so that tourism income reaches every sector, from airlines, hotels and restaurants to small businesses, farmers and local communities. Developing attractions and infrastructure, expanding high-potential tourist markets and linking tourism activities throughout the year will play an important part in driving stable and sustainable growth in the Thai economy, in line with the Fourth National Tourism Development Plan,” Lalida said.