Thailand proceeds with sport tourism strategy

BANGKOK, October 4 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and relevant agencies, is proceeding with its Sport Tourism Strategy 2015-2017, aimed to double the country's revenues from sport tourism to 200 billion baht annually in the future. Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Pongpanu Sawettarun told journalists of the move on Tuesday, after chairing a meeting with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and various sports associations to exchange views and discuss approaches for further developing sport tourism in the country in the short, medium and long terms. Pongpanu stressed that Thailand has potential to further develop sport tourism in terms of the country's readiness in personnel, experiences and suitable locations for sports competitions. Pongpanu pointed out that Thailand, however, needs to take more actions to raise public awareness and understanding of national interests to be gained from growing sport tourism. (TNA)