The improvement in the pandemic situation is enabling tourism activities and businesses to regain traction. More than 5.6 million foreign tourists have entered Thailand so far this year and generated about 200 billion baht in economic value. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is now making plans to support local tourism development efforts aimed at nurturing sustainable tourism.
TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business Apichai Chatchalermkit said tourism has been continually recovering. Aware of this development, Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. is implementing a sustainable tourism tactic under the concept “The Network of Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Society”. Thailand Privilege Card is the firm offering “Thailand Elite” benefits to select foreigners, which include 5 to 20 years visa options.
Mr. Apichai explained Thailand Privilege Card will help sustainably develop tourism activities that place importance on the environment, in keeping with the government’s BCG model. Profits from the sale of Thailand Privilege membership will be used in support of tourism and social development. Examples include the “Kla Di” program by Hug Muang Nan Foundation and the mobile medical units sponsorship by Operation Smile Thailand. The former program promotes environmental conscience among young people and the latter provides reconstructive facial surgeries for underprivileged persons.
Mr. Apichai said the World Tourism Organization has produced a ranking of tourism recovery among the nations of the world. Thailand currently stands at number 1 in terms of room bookings and number 2 in the aspect of tourist confidence. According to the deputy governor, there are about 20,000 Thailand Privilege Card holders at present. The member body generally consists of foreigners with high spending power and foreign investors. (NNT)
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