Developing Thailand as a tourism hub in ASEAN
The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have worked together to promote full-cycle medical tourism and wellness toward the goal of "Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability.”
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The two ministries recently discussed their cooperation in taking care of tourists to ensure their safety at various sites, such as islands.
They will jointly develop an effective communication system and provide training for personnel to take care of tourists and prevent accidents and health hazards from occurring.
According to Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand aims to become an ASEAN tourism hub in five major areas in 2017, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism growth, the reduction of disparities, distribution of wealth to regional areas, and unique Thai culture.
The five areas include Sports Tourism, Medical and Wellness Tourism, Wedding and Romance Tourism, Marine Tourism, and ASEAN Connect.
Regarding Sports Tourism, Thailand will continue to attract the world’s global sports competitions to be held in Thailand. The objective is to promote Thailand as a Sports Dream Destination.
Thailand also intends to raise its sports competitions to the global stage and support sports training complexes.
The number of tourists who are coming to Thailand for health and wellness purposes has grown significantly.
Apart from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has also joined hands with the private sector in promoting Thailand as the regional medical and wellness tourism center.
Medical tourists have also been encouraged to make visits to various targeted destinations, such as Prachin Buri province, which is being developed as a "medicopolis.”
Thailand, with its warm seas, picturesque islands, and rich colorful culture, is a perfect wedding and honeymoon destination. The country has long been a popular wedding venue for couples from all over the world.
Currently, Thailand is developing more ports with its facilities along the coasts of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is also promoting the marine tourism industry. Phuket Island, in particular, is striving to become a premium, world-class marine tourism hub.
As for ASEAN connections, Thailand plans to develop itself as the center for tourism services in ASEAN and to connect tourism destinations in various countries in this region. Also, this year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.
Thailand has worked with its ASEAN partners to encourage intra- and inter-regional travel.
