TAT sets ambitious goal to double arrivals

[Admin]

TAT sets ambitious goal to double arrivals
By SUCHAT SRITAMA
The Nation 2011-09-09

The Tourism Authority of Thailand yesterday unveiled its latest marketing campaign, dubbed "The Miracle Years of Amazing Thailand", tasked with doubling both arrivals and income by 2014.

The agency will spend Bt500 million over the two-year campaign on marketing activities and communications both here and abroad, with Bt210 million to be used to continue building awareness and communications with targeted markets outside the country.

The agency will earmark Bt180 million for activities, Bt60 million for domestic marketing and Bt50 million for international marketing.

Prakit Phiriyakiat, deputy governor for marketing communications, said that at least seven big events have already been lined up over 15 months to attract foreign tourists.

Listed participating events are Formula 1 motor racing, the football league in the United Kingdom, Snow Festival in Sao Paolo, Thailand Golf Open and Australian Open.

International celebrities, particularly those from China, which is now considering Thai TV stars, will be invited to visit Thailand.

TAT will continue promoting traditional Thai festivals like Loy Krathong as world events.

It would also boost domestic tourism through this campaign, with 180 activities planned for the rest of this year and also next year.

"TAT will put on many events and activities to encourage local people to travel across regions in the country," Prakit said.

TAT would work with private organisations like the Tourism Council of Thailand as well as local communities to create activities to lure travellers.

TAT projects total arrivals climbing to more than 19 million next year, up from the forecast of 17 million this year.

The Yingluck Shinawatra government has vowed to use The Miracle Years of Amazing Thailand campaign to double arrivals and income.

The government wants to see 30 million arrivals per year by 2014 while income from domestic and international markets would reach Bt2 trillion per year.

The Tourism Ministry has said it would maintain tourism stimulus measures such as waiving visa fees for certain countries to lure foreign tourists and the tax deduction to encourage local travel.

The ministry is seeking a special budget from the government to develop attractions and upgrade the entire industry.