Bangkok, The Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand support the government in strengthening tourism in all channels. Confident that tourism will be a hero in 2024 that will push the Thai economy to improve. Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, revealed that from the number of foreign tourists traveling to Thailand, the cumulative number for 49 days has exceeded 5.2 million, with Chinese tourists coming in as number one, up to 990,000 people, if this level is continued to be maintained. can It is believed that the total number of foreign tourists this year should reach the target of 35 million, including the target of 8 million Chinese tourists, as the government expects. The government also pays attention to the average tourist expenditure per person. Last year it was approximately 47,000 baht per person per trip. This year, tourists from Thailand's main market who have been staying for a long time and spending a lot have started to return. At the beginning of the year, German, British, French and American tourists returned to be among the top 10 tourists entering Thailand with more than 150,000 people, combined with the government starting to drive the Happy Model together with the private sector in all areas throughout the country. This will help elevate the Supply Side at every level. These will help increase the average expenses of foreign tourists this year to 52,000 - 55,000 baht per person per trip. For Thai tourists, this year continues to improve. In January, the number of travelers reached 14.2 million times, generating revenue of 80 billion baht, higher than the same period last year by 6 percent and 9 percent, respectively. Therefore, the Chamber of Commerce encourages the government to use this opportunity. To distribute these tourists and income to the target secondary cities. It may support expenses for travel, lodging, meals, or some excursions. To stimulate the trend of tra veling to secondary provinces. As well as the Phayao Chamber of Commerce that has joined with TAT and other agencies. Organize events to promote tourism in the area which received a better response than expected. The Thai Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Prime Minister Settha Thavisin and the government for pushing policies to stimulate tourism both domestically and abroad appropriately. Both exempting visas (VISA FREE) and increasing the length of stay for tourists in many countries. It also places importance on continuing to penetrate the international market. Whether maintaining the same target group or negotiating with new target groups such as Saudi Arabia, including efforts to increase international flights to facilitate and reduce travel costs. As a result, to date there have been 23 new routes (New Routes) and no less than 50 additional regular flights (New Flights) from 32 airlines. In addition, stimulating tourism activities in the form of various events helps create a good tourism atmosphe re. Especially the Thailand Winter Festival which consists of many smaller activities distributed in different areas covering the entire country. In addition, the addition of the long holiday during Songkran and the expansion of the Happy Model in collaboration with the private sector to all areas throughout the country. It will help promote tourism in both main and secondary cities. Generate income for Thai entrepreneurs throughout the area. It is believed that this year's Maha Songkran Festival will definitely be very lively. And supporting adequate services of entrepreneurs is important. The private sector is ready to cooperate closely with the government sector to assess the carrying capacity of each area and distribute tourists appropriately. Including supporting money for entrepreneurs to develop quality. and increase sufficient support capacity In addition to creating a good image, it also helps raise the spending level of tourists. However, the Thai Chamber of Commerce supports the collection of entr y fees for foreign tourists. It is believed that this income can be used to develop the quality and stimulate tourism in Thailand much more. And if fees start to be collected immediately in the second quarter, it is expected that there will be no less than 8,000 million baht of money coming in to drive the tourism sector this year. Source: Thai News Agency
Sunday, September 08, 2024