3-trillon-baht national income expected from tourism next year

BANGKOK, Sept 11 (TNA) -- The government expects income from tourism will grow by 10% next year to 3.03 trillion baht, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha set the target as the government would be introducing measures and present the results of surveys on Thai tourism to encourage visitors to extend their stay in Thailand. A survey ranked Bangkok the best destination for value for money for long stays, Lt Gen Sansern said. “For the Amazing Thailand Year 2018, governmental organizations, the private sector, and operators of tourism, department stores and airlines will organize activities and promote them with discounted products and services,” Lt Gen Sansern said. He said the Amazing Thailand Year 2018 campaign was set from Nov 1, 2017, to Jan 1, 2019, to cover world-class events in Thailand. They include the ASEAN International Fleet Review that will involve naval ships from about 30 countries in Pattaya on Nov 18, 2017, and the Air Race 1 Thailand which will be the biggest air race competition of Asia. “The prime minister is encouraging all provinces to show off their outstanding features including geographical aspects, local wisdom, cultures and arts to inspire tourists to visit clusters of provinces and even to connect to tourist attractions in neighboring countries. This will increase the income of local residents and promote the Thai economy,” Lt Gen Sansern said. (TNA)