Tourist association unveils 11-point plan to bolster tourism
The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Thailand’s tourism sector, proposing an 11-point strategy to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness.
Following extensive consultations with tourism entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to position Thailand as a leading global tourist destination. FETTA’s proposal encompasses a range of initiatives designed to enhance policy formulation, address industry challenges, and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
At the heart of the plan is the establishment of a collaborative task force, comprising provincial tourism authorities and representatives from the private sector, tasked with providing advisory support to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.
This joint effort seeks to ensure that policy decisions are informed by diverse perspectives and industry expertise, fostering a more responsive and dynamic approach to tourism development.
A comprehensive tourism blueprint was suggested, titled the Thailand Tourism Carrier Capacity Blueprint, which prioritises tourism supply and demand, sustainable practices, and revenue distribution. The blueprint emphasises the need for mutual understanding and collaboration among the joint parties.
Furthermore, FETTA advocates legislative reforms to address labour shortages, facilitating employment of migrant workers within the tourism sector to streamline workforce management while promoting inclusivity.
Another focal point of the proposal is the expansion of the visa exemption policy to encompass more target countries, accompanied by efforts to enhance immigration processes at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to facilitate smoother entry for tourists
Additionally, FETTA recommends the promotion of digital transformation among tourism entrepreneurs, offering subsidies for tourism software and digital infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and visitor experiences.
Other notable initiatives include the promotion of night tourism programs to mitigate the risk of heatstroke among tourists, increased government spending on seminars and meetings at domestic hotels to support the hospitality sector, and the allocation of funds for sustainable tourism development.
Through pilot programs in target areas and ongoing evaluation, the tourist association aims to refine and scale sustainable tourism initiatives nationwide, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Furthermore, proposed amendments to the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act seek to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote professional development within the tour guiding profession.
Lastly, FETTA underscores the importance of market diversification and seasonal promotions to stimulate demand in secondary provinces and during off-peak periods, signalling a holistic approach to tourism promotion and development, reported The Nation.
