TAT maps out plan to draw tourism revenue in 2013

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says it is already working hard to see that the country achieves a tourism-revenue target of Bt1.416 trillion next year, even while facing risks from worsening financial crises in Europe and political uncertainty at home.


Of that total, Bt450 billion would come from domestic tourism and the remaining Bt966 billion from international arrivals. To achieve the target, TAT says it will focus more on revenue-based tourism than on the number of travellers.

By 2015, the TAT expects tourism revenue to reach Bt2 trillion.

Next year, the number of domestic trips is expected to increase by about 3 per cent to 107.4 million while international arrivals rise by 13 per cent to 22 million. To accomplish this, niche tourism such as weddings and honeymoons, golfing, and the medical market will be promoted, while secondary cities will be introduced to attract first-time travellers.

This year, the TAT expects the number of foreign tourists to reach 20.5 million, dropping Bt846 billion into the Thai economy.

Surphon Svetaserani, TAT's governor, said that next year the agency would be in high gear to promote tourism with flexible plans to deal with possible risks such as financial crisis in Europe, national political uncertainty, and preparation for regional integration under the Asean Economic Community.

Since March, the TAT has mapped out its promotional measures for next year. Its marketing plan will be in line with tourists' changing preferences. Also, it will offer innovative tourism products to differentiate Thailand from rival neighbouring nations, the agency says.

Sourced: .nationmultimedia