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Thailand hopes to welcome 5.8 million European tourists

BANGKOK: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is showcasing the "Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters" campaign at ITB Berlin 2023, as the kingdom looks to attract 5.8 million tourists from Europe.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said Thailand's presence at the world's largest tourism trade fair was to create awareness of "Visit Thailand Year 2023" and the country's direction towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism.

"TAT is developing sustainable tourism goals, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

"There will be a STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating) system that certifies tourist businesses in the area of tourism sustainability. Businesses that are able to comply with a number of goals will attain a corresponding amount of stars," he said in a statement.

This year, TAT is eyeing about 5.8 million tourists from Europe and 406.42 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The Thai booth at ITB Berlin is leveraging Thailand's 5Fs soft-power foundations — Food, Film, Fashion, Festival and Fight.

The Thai delegation comprises 70 tourism sellers, predominantly hotels and resorts, and one health provider — Bumrungrad Hospital.

Princess Ubolratana, the elder sister of Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn, visited the Thai booth on Tuesday.

Thailand is targeting between 25 million and 30 million foreign tourists this year.

Statistics showed that Thailand welcomed 4.2 million foreign travellers in January and February this year.

Thailand, one of Asia's most popular travel destinations, was visited by nearly 40 million people in 2019. --

BERNAMA

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