BANGKOK, 15 March 2013 The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) says the government’s 2-trillion-baht investment project will drive up the nation’s tourism industry and expects the project to be the key to economic expansion in 3-5 years’ time.
According to Director of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting Thanawat Polwicha, a research conducted by the UTTC, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has indicated that the government’s mega project is the key factor to boosting the nation’s tourism industry, drawing in more visitors, especially from China, Malaysia, and Singapore. He also forecast that the project will help expand the Thai economy by 5-7 percent in the next 3-5 years.
According to the survey, 30 percent of the respondents said Thailand’s strength in tourism industry lies in its culture, history, and archaeological sites; 26 percent said tourists come to experience nature like mountains, forests, and the seas; 55 percent believe Thailand could be the number-one tourist destination in the ASEAN region. However, there are some major issues that need to be addressed, including political conflicts and natural disasters.
In addition, the poll also suggests that Thailand need more safety measures and better utility system to facilitate travelling.
