Thailand seeks to position itself as global tourism hub

By VNA June 13, 2024 | 05:53 pm PT

Tourists play with water as they celebrate the Songkran holiday which marks the Thai New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, April 13, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called on governors and tourism authorities to further develop infrastructure and offerings as well as explore measures to position the country as a global tourism hub.

Srettha laid out his strategy to boost the Thai economy in the second half of this year at a recent meeting with the governors of 55 second-tier tourist provinces, executives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and representatives from related private bodies.

The PM underlined the importance of enhancing connectivity between well-established and second-tier tourist destinations to spread benefits of tourism nationwide as part of the overall "Ignite Thailand" vision.

He said the government prioritizes promoting 55 second-tier tourist provinces along with the readiness of each destination in the areas of attractions, accommodation, transportation infrastructure, local identity, and culinary experiences.

Travelers should be encouraged to try local food, see local culture, seek unseen attractions, buy local arts and crafts, and participate in local sports.

Srettha stressed that cooperation from the public and private sectors is crucial to developing and improving the capability of the 55 provinces under such policies as developing transport infrastructure, tourist facilities, new attractions, and new tourism offerings.

The government will support local businesses through tax incentives, training and upskilling of tourism workers, improvement of safety standards, promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism. It will maximize digital and social media for publicity.

The government also plans to nominate some provinces for the UNESCO world heritage status, he added.