BANGKOK, March 30 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Thursday that Thailand is one of the best tourism destinations in the world and that her government has targeted generating tourism industry revenues at two trillion baht within the next five years.
Ms Yingluck said she is proud to tell the world that Thailand is a top worldclass tourism destination. Despite the country suffering one of the worst floods in history, the tourism business has recovered quickly and could generate an annual income of Bt700 billion.
The government has targeted achieving tourism revenue of two trillion baht within the next five years, she said, adding that the target is realistic but needs cooperation from all parties concerned to promote the industry as sustainable major revenue for the Thai people and the country.
Ms Yingluck on Thursday presided at the launch of the new tourism promotion campaign, “Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand 2012” at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Arena.
The exhibition to promote the year long tourism campaign focuses on the tradition, culture and unique aspects of Thailand and ‘Thainess’.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumpol Silapa-archa said the “Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand 2012” is aimed at promoting domestic travel and at the same time, encouraging the international tourists to visit the kingdom.
The varied tourism events will also commemorate three special royal occasions including His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday, Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th Birthday, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th Birthday, he said.
He added that the “Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand 2012” combines and draws on the previous tourism campaigns, Unseen Thailand and Amazing Thailand.
The tourism promotional activities will be implemented on a monthly basis to back the campaign. Mr Chumpol said.
