Thailand ranks third in earning highest tourism revenue

BANGKOK, Aug 26 (TNA) -- Thailand known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ is now ranked third in the world in earning highest revenue from tourism after the United States and Spain, according to a survey by the United Nations' World Tourism Organisation. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn said this while he presided over a meeting of committee tasked with moving and reforming the country’s tourism, culture and sports on Friday that the world agency had announced that Thailand’s revenue from tourism is equaled to 20.6 per cent of gross domestic product and is now ranked third globally in grossing revenue. Gen Tanasak said the Cabinet has decided to proclaim the year of 2018 as ‘Amazing Thailand Tourism 2018’ with an aim to increase qualitative tourists in visiting Thailand, increase revenue and distribute it justly to the rural area. Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said that her ministry has moved on organising more global several sport events such as Air Race 1 ,Moto GP, and Thailand Marathon to draw more tourists. Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said his ministry aims at promoting Thai cultural heritage which would benefit tourism and at the same time building the country’s image through movie. So far, the Culture Ministry has organised about 130 cultural events in six continents, aimed at enabling foreigners to learn about Thai culture and also wanting to visit Thailand. (TNA)