ASEAN

Thailand launches campaign to jumpstart tourism

BANGKOK: Thailand announced a massive annual plan to boost its economy through elevated and experience-based tourism yesterday (Jan 12).

Under the theme 'Amazing New Chapters', the new campaign aims for a full resumption of tourism this year, which is expected to generate about 2.38 trillion baht (about RM308 billion), or 80 per cent of the pre-pandemic level, Xinhua reported, quoting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, who spoke at a press conference.

The beyond-goal achievement of tourism last year, with a total of 11.8 million foreign arrivals and 189 million domestic trips, reflected impressive signs for the tourism recovery, Yuthasak said.

For the Chinese and other international markets, the TAT will focus on new segments of tourists, easing airline seat shortages, and promoting overland journeys, Deputy TAT Governor Tanes Petsuwan was quoted as saying during a recent briefing.

The TAT will be working with airlines to help resume flights between Thailand and China as there are about 70 per cent fewer flights compared to 2019, said Petsuwan.

"Aside from road connectivity in the north, the China-Laos railway is now a game-changer, connecting China's southern region to the northeastern part of Thailand," he said.

According to the TAT, the Southeast Asian kingdom is expected to welcome around 25 million international arrivals this year, with 5 million of them being Chinese tourists. – Bernama

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