Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed all relevant agencies to proceed with their plans to promote tourism. The ways to promote tourism should also be adjusted in response to the demand of the new generation.
Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd quoted the Prime Minister as saying that the number of international tourists visiting Thailand has been on the rise. The Cabinet has approved several measures and projects for tourism promotion. The Prime Minister wanted to see the progress of the implementation of these measures and projects. Among them is the organizing of the festival “Thailand: Marina Hub of ASEAN” from January to February 2016 in Phuket.
He pointed out that the project must link with various countries, especially Singapore. The issues concerning marine tourism and coastal tourism have already been raised for discussion with Vietnam.
The Prime Minister also heard a report from Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul that international tourist arrivals in Thailand now stand at 29.5 million, exceeding the target of 28.8 million set at the beginning of 2015. About 24.7 million international tourists visited Thailand in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, announced the launch of the 36th Thailand Tourism Festival, to be held from 13 to 17 January 2016 at Lumphini Park in Bangkok. The five-day Thai tourism showcase is aimed at attracting local residents and tourists from all corners of the world.
According to TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, the festival will provide a platform to raise awareness of Thai culture, traditions, heritage, and simple ways of life. It will also stimulate travel driven by the unique identities of multicultural communities across Thailand.
Following the success of the Thailand Tourism Festival 2015, the Thailand Tourism Festival 2016 will not only highlight colorful festivals and vibrant local fairs from all parts of the country all year round, but will also underline the beautiful Thai way of life, along with world-famous Thai hospitality.
Mr. Yuthasak said that TAT plans to elevate this festival to an international level and to develop a further understanding of environmental mindfulness among Thai tourists. Campaigns will be launched for no littering, no drinking alcohol, and no smoking at tourist sites. Thai people will also be encouraged to be good hosts and join in the country’s sustainable tourism development, so that Thailand retains its position as the leading destination in ASEAN.
It is expected that thousands of local residents and international visitors will come along and take part in discovering the latest in Thailand’s tourism offerings during the five-day event.
