BANGKOK: The Tourism and Sports Ministry has tasked the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with organising a workshop for tourism agencies to explore measures that will make Thailand a global tourism hub as part of the government’s “Ignite Thailand” initiative.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled the initiative earlier this month, laying out ambitious plans for making the country a hub for tourism, medical treatment, food, aviation, logistics, electric vehicles, digital economy and finance by 2030.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Wednesday that the three-day workshop will be held from March 12-14, after which a master plan will be submitted to the premier on March 15.
Central and provincial tourism agencies as well as entrepreneurs in the tourism industry will be invited to join the workshop to provide their input and suggestions, she added.
Expected participants include representatives from the Department of Tourism, Thailand Privilege Card Ltd, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Airports of Thailand, and airline operators.
Sudawan said the workshop will cover four main aspects of a tourism promotion strategy. They are:
1. Promotion of second-tier provinces as new tourism markets by using the soft power of each province as tourist attractions.
2. Pushing Thailand to be an entertainment complex by organising world-class festivals, events and concerts through joint investment with private partners. The TAT aims to compete directly with Singapore to become the no.1 entertainment destination in the region.
3. Pushing for a One Visa policy in the Asean region similar to the Schengen visa scheme in the European Union to promote seamless regional tourism.
4. Revising tourism regulations, with a focus on minimising obstacles to travelling and facilitating the organisation of world-class events.
“TAT will need cooperation from all related parties, both public and private, in making Thailand a tourism hub by 2030,” said Thapanee.
“Everyone must be a champion of this policy, including all provincial governors, local administration organisations, the private sector and community members, who will eventually benefit from increasing tourism income.” -The Nation/ANN
