TAT requests 2.5 billion baht to promote tourism

Nakhon Pathom: -- The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to seek Bt2.5 billion from the government to revive Thailand’s tourism in the remainder of 2005 to meet tourist arrival target.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will use the sum to advertise Thailand to make sure that the country has 14 million visitors from overseas and 76 domestic tourists for the entire 2005, according to TAT Governor Juthamas Siriwan.

The TAT is holding a week-long annual marketing conference attended by heads of 18 offices worldwide and 22 TAT branches across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said the tourism in Thailand is still reeling from the consequences of the Tsnami, with tourist arrival numbers shrunk by 2 million short of the usual volume during the first half of this year. The Ministry is therefore seeking the Cabinet approval for a Bt2.5 billion to promote tourism.

Mr. Somsak said that from the total, TAT will spend Bt800 million to promote Thailand as a tourism destination in overseas market, and Bt100 million in the domestic market. A portion of one billion baht will be spent on improving toilet facilities and landscape in various attractions across the country. A provision of Bt600 million will be used for other promotional activities.

Despite the slump of tourism in Phuket and the looming economic slow-down of the global economy, TAT stands by its target that Thailand will have 13.38 million tourists, generating a revenue of Bt450 billion. The ambitious target for 2006 remains at 15.1 million visitors for Bt530 billion in revenue. To meet the target, it is necessary to spend the money to stimulate the market, said Mrs. Juthamas.

--TNA 2005-07-12

the gvernment could make a good start by cleaning up their act and some good publicity will go further than advertising