Thailand offers to host World Tourism Day 2016

BANGKOK, February 4 (TNA) - The Thai Cabinet has approved a Ministry of Tourism and Sports plan on offering the Kingdom to be the host of the World Tourism Day 2016, aimed to boost domestic tourism and national image. Government Spokesman Dr. Yongyuth Maiyalarp told journalists of the Cabinet's resolution, after its weekly meeting at Bangkok's Government House on Tuesday. The spokesman acknowledged that the world event could be a platform to show Thailand's potential in tourism and services, covering safety provided to international visitors. The spokesman cited the Tourism and Sports Ministry as suggesting that Thailand has attractive tourist destinations and civilization worthwhile for internationally studies and promotion of the Kingdom's cultural tourism to draw in more global quality tourist arrivals. The government spokesman stated, however, whether or not Thailand will be selected the host of the World Tourism Day 2016 depends on a decision of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)'s next meeting of its Commission for East Asia and the Pacific Affairs, set to be held in mid-2015. Thailand has been a UNWTO member since 1975 and was the chair of its Commission for East Asia and the Pacific Affairs during 2007-2009 and during 2010-2011. (TNA)