TCT calls for domestic travel support

BANGKOK Tourism Council of Thailand has called on the government to support domestic tourism.
TCT domestic marketing vice president, Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate, recommended measures to help boost domestic travel.
“Firstly, we need the government to extend its overseas trip ban for state officials for another one year…but modify the regulation to allow them to overnight in ASEAN member countries if they plan a one-night stay in Thailand to help encourage regional tourism.”
Last March, the Cabinet ordered senior government officials to refrain from organising overseas study trips during the 2015 fiscal year and fly economy class only for official domestic trips.
inside no 4The ban was introduced to reduce the financial cost of overseas study tours, conferences and seminars proposed by state officials so that more funds could be allocated to projects designed to address people’s grievances.
He said: “We need a tax rebate scheme that will allow people to deduct tourism expenses from their tax declaration from THB15,000 to THB50,00.”
The Cabinet approved, in October last year, a tax rebate on travel expenses that citizens can claim when filing their annual tax declarations. Individuals who buy local package tours, or hotel accommodation, will be able to list the purchases as deductible expenses against their taxable income for the year. The deductible amount is set at no more than THB15,000.
Companies will also be able to use the tax rebate for residential training programmes for employees.
Under the scheme, businesses and private individuals will be eligible for tax deductions on expenses until 31 December this year.
“In addition, we need the government to set Chinese New Year as an official holiday to encourage Thais to take a break, travel and spend more on holidays…our neighbouring countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore make it an official holiday.”
The country also needs to improve transport quality and up-to-date technology particularly for tour bus and mini-van services.
In addition, Ministry of Education should organise domestic travel programmes for students.
Software for tourism is also crucial to help tour operators to compete in international stage. “We need a tourism channel to promote products and services as well as provide information which is directly access to travellers.”

sourced:ttrweekly.com