The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to make the whole year a high season for travel, to boost both domestic and inbound tourism, according to Parichart Boonclai, TAT Executive Director of Advertising and Public Relations. The strategy is to promote the identity of each region, to encourage domestic tourists throughout the year.

Domestic Tourism

Northern Thailand will present the beauty of the old days, which aims to persuade people in the north travel to other provinces in the region.

Central Thailand will present the brand new experience of travelling under the theme of ‘Trendy C2’, to resonate with Gen Y and Z tourists.

Eastern Thailand will present convenient travel, as it does not take too much time to get there, along with luxury products, in order to attract Gen Y visitors, who have high incomes, and millennial families.

Northeast Thailand will present gastronomy tourism, as MICHELIN announces Bib Gourmand restaurants in Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

Southern Thailand, in addition to the beautiful beaches, food and cultural tourism, will be presented under the theme of ‘Savoury South’, which will offer visitors a taste of southern food and attractions.

Inbound tourism

Parichart said that medical and wellness tourism will be a trend this year, as Thailand is ready in every way, including the medical infrastructure, healthy food and attractions, which benefit both physical and mental health.

The five medical services most sought by tourists are check-ups, bone and joint treatments, treatments related to heart and vascular diseases, metabolic and dental treatment.

According to the Thai Medical and Wellness Tourism Association, foreign tourists who visit Thailand for medical purposes will spend 5-14 days here, which generates a lot of revenue for the country.

To be a world class medical tourism destination, Suwadee Pachariyangkun, Secretary General of Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Association, advises businesses to maintain the standard of services with reasonable prices.

The political temperature in the country can also be a factor for many who are planning a trip to Thailand.

Suwadee said that, if there is peace in our country with stable politics, in which the government can cooperate with people in harmony, tourists will be confident to travel to Thailand. “This is called ‘social wellness’, which is the duty of all Thai people to build together.”

Virtual tourism

This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand also aims to develop virtual tourism, after a pilot project was launched last year, enabling tourists to visit participating Durian farms virtually. Visitors can take a virtual tour of the farms and choose durians they want to buy. After that, the chosen Durians were shipped to their homes.

Overall, many economists believe that, due to pent-up demand, the number of foreign tourists visiting the country this year will double, to about 20 million, and become a key driver for the economy.

By Kitipat Chuensukjit