Thailand Sets Ambitious 3.5 Trillion Baht Tourism Goal for 2025

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Picture courtesy: Thai Newsroom

 

Thailand's government has unveiled an ambitious plan to generate 3.5 trillion baht from tourism by 2025, a target primarily reliant on international markets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is spearheading this drive with a host of year-round events and robust promotions under the banner of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to attract 39 million visitors.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has expressed optimism about achieving pre-pandemic levels of tourism revenue and arrivals by the end of this year. While the recent numbers fall short of Japan's, Sorawong emphasises that Thailand's focus is not on competing with other countries but on surpassing its own 2019 success.

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's vision extends beyond the official 3 trillion baht target set for TAT, hoping to reach the 3.5 trillion baht mark. To achieve this monumental goal, the government plans to enhance the flow of tourists by increasing inbound flights, introducing an online TM6 immigration form tied to a 300-Baht fee, and improving transport links between primary and secondary cities.

 

The TAT’s promotional strategy revolves around five key concepts:

 

1. Grand Festivity: Emphasising art, cultural, and music events.

2. Grand Moment: Featuring must-visit routes across Thailand's five regions.

3. Grand Privilege: Offering exclusive promotions for tourists.

4. Grand Invitation: Showcasing the country with visits from well-known figures.

5. Grand Celebration: Highlighting anniversaries with nations like China and France.

Key events planned for the first half of the year include the "Maha Songkran: Saneh Thai Carnival" in April and the "Amazing Thailand Love Wins Festival" in June, celebrating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand.

 

Despite the ambitious targets, tourism operators like Thanet Supornsahasrungsi of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation have voiced concerns. Challenges such as the delay in the return of Chinese tour groups, affected by safety perceptions and economic tensions, might hinder attaining the target. Meanwhile, the Chinese economy's sluggish growth and trade tensions with the US are contributing factors.

 

In response, the government plans to bolster domestic tourism through campaigns like "We Travel Together," slated to relaunch in June, which could boost local tourism despite weak domestic purchasing power. Initiatives that enable remote work for travellers could further energise the domestic market.

 

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, former Thai Hotels Association president, acknowledged the challenges yet remains optimistic that the increase in new hotels, flights, and events could make the 3.5 trillion baht target feasible, provided the strategic plans are effectively implemented, reported TAT News, Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-04

 

 

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