In a bid to revitalize tourism and get it back on track to where it was before the pandemic, the Department of Tourism has rolled out an initiative focusing on developing safe zones for tourists across Thailand. The government aims to attract 40 million foreign visitors by the end of 2024, targeting revenue of over 3 trillion baht.
Jaturon Phakdeewanit , the director-general of the Department of Tourism, stated that this is the third phase of the ongoing effort to develop safe tourism zones, initiated during the outbreak of COVID-19. The project aligns with the national strategy and follows the “KEEP IT SAFE AND SOUND 5E of Safety Zone” concept, focusing on sustainable tourism and community involvement.
For this year, five new safe tourism zones have been introduced, each catering to specific needs and environments. These include eco-friendly zones in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; global event-ready spaces in Mueang District of Udon Thani Province; emergency response areas for sea tourists in Trang Province; faith-based safe routes in Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province; and community-based zones in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi Province.
The Department of Tourism continues to work on expanding these safe zones, aiming to instill confidence in tourists while strengthening Thailand’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. This move is expected to not only boost local economies but also contribute to more equitable income distribution and reduce domestic disparities. (NNT)
