BANGKOK – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is aiming to generate 2.3 trillion baht in revenue this year while pressing ahead with the strategy to sell Thainess.
Speaking of the tourism promotion campaign of 2016, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said it will focus on sustainability, quality, adding value and distributing income. Due to positive feedback from last year, the minister affirmed the Discover Thainess campaign will go on this year.
In the meantime, tourism development will be pushed forward particularly in provinces along the borders with Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. The move is expected to bring more income to local tourism SMEs while supporting Thailand in its goal to become the travel hub of the region. Emphasis will be placed on attracting first-time visitors from major markets, including China, Europe and ASEAN.
Ms Kobkarn stated that the ministry is targeting to make 2.3 trillion baht from tourism this year, up 5 percent from last year. However, she expressed concerns over potential impacts from terrorism, natural disasters and the economic slowdown in China.
