Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018
The Cabinet, during its meeting on 8 August 2017, approved the designation of next year "Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018,” as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
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The proposal aims to bring in more quality tourists and maintain the country’s traditional tourism markets. It is also intended to create higher economic value and distribute tourism income to the regional areas of the country.
Apart from the domestic market, the new tourism campaign also targets international markets, such as China, India, ASEAN, East Asia, and Europe. Activities to mark the Thailand Tourism Year 2018 will begin in November this year and will continue until the end of next year.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has asked the public and private sector to join in hosting various activities to support the 2018 tourism year. The National Tourism Policy Committee will supervise tourism promotion in line with the campaign in order to achieve the set target.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently held the annual TAT Action Plan for 2018 meeting, which covers both international and domestic tourism. TAT’s marketing plan 2018 has been designed to serve the purpose of generating revenue and increase visitor arrivals.
It will also follow the development agenda of Thailand 4.0, based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, as well as Inclusive Tourism that maintains a balance between the economy, society, and the environment. All these strategies are in line with the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan and the Second National Tourism Development Plan.
Major activities include sports, gastronomy, marine, medical, and wedding and honeymoon tourism. Emphasis will also be placed on "ASEAN Connect.” As a founding member of ASEAN, Thailand has long adopted a policy to promote tourism in the region, with a special focus on encouraging the region as a single destination for world travelers.
The number of international visitors to Thailand from January to June 2017, reached 17 million. During the period, international tourist arrivals generated 876 billion baht in which the Chinese market was the first generator, followed by Russia and Malaysia.
The Government has set a growth rate of at least 8% in tourism revenue for 2018.
