Nine routes to highlight late King’s royal projects
THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand and the private sector are promoting nine routes highlighting royal projects initiated and developed by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in order to pay respects to His Majesty and at the same time boost domestic travel.
Noppadon Pakprot, TAT deputy governor for tourism products, said the agency was working with the Association of Domestic Travel, the Association of Thai Tour Operators, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association and Thai Smile Airways to promote these special royal attractions. In order to pay respects to the late King, the TAT and alliance organisations launched nine selected routes yesterday to encourage local people to visit and experience places all year round, with an immediate focus on the coming New Year period.
Attractions on the nine routes are located in Ratchaburi, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Prakan, Chantaburi, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Narathiwat and Nakorn Si Thammarat provinces.
“At this time [in particular], royal projects are must-visit places. The TAT is holding a special event at Siam Centre until Sunday, at which interested persons can buy package tours for year-round trips. Moreover, 999 travel handbooks will be given out to visitors free of charge at the event,” Noppadon said. Woranate Laprabang, acting chief executive officer of Thai Smile Airways, said the airline would offer special deals at this weekend’s event in an effort to boost domestic travel.
“Thai Smile is taking part in the royal-attractions visit promotion, in order to pay its respects to the late King,” he said.
The carrier operates domestic routes to and from major provincial cities, including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Surat Thani, Narathiwat and Krabi.
Meanwhile, the government has reported that the country’s total tourism revenue from both the domestic and international markets in the third quarter was Bt620 billion, representing a 12.2-per-cent increase over the same period last year.
The number of domestic tourists grew 5.5 per cent in the period, generating Bt216 billion for the economy.
Domestic tourism is expected to continue to grow during the next two weeks, reaching 150 million trips for the full year.
