BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has outlined Thailand’s ambitious tourism strategy for 2025, aiming to position the country as a premier global destination.
Speaking at the Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand, held during ITB Berlin 2025, Paetongtarn reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.” In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 35 million international tourists, generating 47.40 billion euros—accounting for 15% of GDP. The goal for 2025 is to attract 39 million visitors, generating 98 billion euros, including 10.62 million tourists from Europe, contributing 24.22 billion euros to the economy.
To achieve these targets, the government has implemented five key strategies under its Thailand Tourism vision:
- Enhancing travel convenience and safety through streamlined visa policies, expanded visa exemptions for 93 countries, E-Visa systems, and improved biometric identification at major airports. Security measures are also being strengthened to ensure visitor safety.
- Developing infrastructure to establish Thailand as a regional aviation hub, with airport expansions at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U-Tapao, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, new airports under construction, and high-speed rail connections linking Thailand with Laos and China.
- Leveraging Thailand’s Soft Power, promoting cultural attractions, gastronomy, and hospitality, while boosting international exposure through media, including the acclaimed series The White Lotus.
- Advancing medical and wellness tourism, capitalizing on Thailand’s world-class healthcare services, competitive pricing, and highly skilled workforce, a sector that has already contributed 1 trillion baht to the economy.
- Sustainable tourism development, supporting Green Destinations, and preparing to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026), reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to responsible tourism.
The prime minister also emphasized Thailand’s push to become a “Festival Country,” hosting global events such as the MahaSongkran Summer Festival, Pride Month 2025, Loy Krathong: Rivers of Light, and the Amazing Thailand Countdown. The country is also set to host major sporting events, including the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 and SEA Games 2025.
Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Amazing Thailand Networking Event at ITB Berlin 2025 serves as a platform to strengthen global partnerships. With 160 Thai tourism operators participating, Thailand aims to expand its presence in the international travel market, reinforcing its status as a world-class tourism hub. (NNT)
