Search Results for: tourism
- Tourism News
Climbing new heights: Chiang Mai tourism to scale rock enthusiasts
Chiang Mai tourism operators are eager to market the province’s mountainous allure to tap into the global rock climbing community of 44.5 million enthusiasts, while also advocating for government support to promote this sport across various provinces to boost the tourism sector. The acting president of the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai, Punlop Saejew, recently highlighted the rock climbing market’s…
- Tourism News
Tourism troubles: Zero-dollar tours rock Thai industry
Zero-dollar tours, notorious for their rock-bottom prices, are once again plaguing Thailand’s tourism sector and posing unfair competition for Thai operations, particularly targeting visitors from China, Russia, and India. The President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, claims that this resurgence is severely impacting the industry due to the substandard quality of tours, leaving legitimate Thai…
- Thailand News
Island hopping: Thailand’s new maritime route to revolutionise tourism
Thailand spearheads an ambitious project to link its stunning islands with Vietnam and Cambodia, promising to boost investment, trade, and tourism across the region. The Governor of Trat province, Natthapong Sanguanjit, recently chaired a meeting that gathered officials and business leaders from six provinces of the three countries. This initiative is part of the Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand Economic Corridor (CVTEC) Trat Business…
- Visa Information
Thailand unveils new visa measures to boost tourism and economy
Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong revealed new visa issuance measures aimed at boosting tourism and stimulating Thailand’s economy, following a Cabinet meeting. While many specific details of the visas and potential regulations remain under wraps, more information is expected to be released early next month. The Thai Cabinet approved a comprehensive tourism policy to counteract the nation’s prolonged economic stagnation and…
- Phuket News
Phuket boosts tourism safety with new lifeguard training initiative
Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS Phuket) is spearheading a workshop to bolster water tourism safety in the Andaman Tourism Development Zone. The Generation 1 project commenced on June 14 and continues through today at the Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa and Sirinat National Park. Key attendees include Panlop Prajong, a policy and planning analyst at MoTS Phuket,…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourism takes a tumble: WEF report
Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic setback, plummeting 11 spots in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index, leaving experts calling for urgent investment and innovation. In a devastating blow to the Thai government, which reported a modest 1.5% growth in the first quarter of 2024, the WEF index revealed Thailand’s fall from 36th to…
- Thailand News
Pattaya mayor’s big bet on Irish tourism
In a significant push to boost international tourism, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet welcomed H.E. Patrick Bourne, Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Thailand, and his delegation. The high-profile visit centred on strengthening tourism ties and introducing measures to support Irish tourists in Pattaya. During the meeting, Mayor Poramet expressed his delight and honour in hosting Irish ambassador Bourne. Poramet emphasised…
- Thailand News
World Tourism Council: Innovative strategies to combat overtourism
Tourism is in crisis as overtourism sparks protests and unrest across the globe. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has a plan to turn the tide, urging cooperation between businesses and local communities to manage the influx of visitors. As travel demand skyrockets post-pandemic, locals in several countries are pushing back, calling for measures to control the surge of…
- Koh Samui Travel
Koh Samui’s tourism renaissance: An island reawakens
Koh Samui, Thailand’s renowned resort island, is experiencing a remarkable revival in tourism. The island has witnessed a 69% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers during the first four months of 2024, driven by an influx of domestic tourists, the opening of new international markets, and improved air connectivity. In 2023, Samui hosted 3,541,821 visitors, a balanced mix of domestic and…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourism: A sustainable future for long-haul travel
Thailand’s tourism sector is turning its attention to long-haul travellers, leveraging enhanced flight connectivity and a commitment to sustainability. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled an ambitious strategy to attract visitors from far-flung destinations, with a focus on boosting airline routes and promoting eco-friendly tourism. At the recent Thailand Travel Mart+ (TTM+ 2024) in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province,…
- Phuket News
Phuket hosts Southern Halal Expo to boost tourism
The Southern Halal Expo & Tourism fair is currently taking place in Phuket, aiming to revitalise local tourism and enhance the incomes of local families while enhancing a sense of community for Muslims. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiated the opening ceremony at the Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Center in Thalang yesterday. The event, organised by the Andaman Phuket Muslim Women’s Association in…
- Thailand News
Skill workshop to transform Thailand’s tourism industry
To revolutionise Thailand’s tourism sector, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the Ignite Tourism Thailand: TAT Skill Factory workshop. This ambitious initiative is part of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision to establish Thailand as a top global tourism destination. The workshop will be held from June 15 to 16 at the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, drawing an expected 300…
- Business News
Thailand urged to upgrade regional airports to boost tourism
The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) called upon the government to upgrade more regional airports to international status, aiming to boost tourism and generate more revenue for Thaniland’s 55 second-tier cities. At the Ignite Tourism Thailand event, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth highlighted the need for developing regional airport facilities to handle international flights. This…
- Thailand News
Government pushes for UNESCO status for Nan to boost tourism
The Government of Thailand announced plans to promote cultural tourism between Nan in northern Thailand and Luang Prabang, the historic capital of Laos, with the ultimate aim of nominating Nan as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage site. Government spokesperson Chai Watcharonke revealed that the Cabinet had approved the Culture Ministry’s proposal in March, highlighting…
- Thailand News
Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy
Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government’s performance over the past eight months…
- Thailand News
Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…
- Thailand News
Thailand goes green: Major push for sustainable tourism unveiled
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an ambitious plan to boost sustainable tourism, revealed at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024, held from June 5 to 7 in Phang Nga. A key highlight of these plans is hosting Asia’s second Tourism Cares summit in 2025. Partnering with the US-based NGO, this summit will focus on promoting regenerative…
- Thailand News
Bangkok Airways, SO/ Maldives eye growth in tourism boom
Bangkok Airways and luxury resort SO/ Maldives are optimistic about expanding their business in the Maldives, a popular destination among Thai tourists. The Maldives achieved a significant milestone in tourism last year, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors, the highest number in a year, according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corp. Bangkok Airways resumed flights to the Maldives in…
- Thailand News
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…
- Business News
Thai tourism revenue to hit 3 trillion baht, misses target
Thai tourism revenue is projected to reach 3 trillion baht this year, falling short of the government’s target of 3.5 trillion baht due to economic challenges in key markets, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported. As of today, Thailand has seen 14.9 million foreign arrivals, generating 709 billion baht (US$19.4 billion). This figure represents roughly 30% of the international…
- Business News
Thai govt unveils tax measures to spark tourism surge
The Thai Cabinet today approved a series of tax measures aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the low season, announced the deputy finance minister. These measures will be in effect from May to November and include tax deductions for companies organising conventions and seminars, according to Paopoom Rojanasakul. Further initiatives target increased domestic travel to secondary cities by allowing income…
- Travel
The rising trend of sleep tourism
In a world that’s constantly on the go, it’s no wonder people are now seeking holidays that prioritise rest and rejuvenation. Enter sleep tourism, a rising trend where the primary goal is to recharge both body and mind. This isn’t just about catching up on sleep; it’s about immersing oneself in an environment designed to enhance the quality of rest.…
- Tourism News
Prehistoric tourism boost for Thailand as Jurassic World 4 rolls
Thailand will host the filming of Jurassic World 4, the latest instalment in the iconic Jurassic Park series providing an enormous boost to the nation’s tourism industry. The Department of Tourism’s Director General, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, announced that the production will span from today until mid-July, covering several locations such as Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. This…
- Thailand News
Songkhla pushes for cruise terminal to boost tourism
The Songkhla Tourism Association is calling for government intervention to boost tourism by constructing a cruise ship terminal and introducing direct flights from Chinese cities to Hat Yai. President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association Songchai Mungprasithichai announced plans to seek government support for direct flights to Hat Yai, proposing routes such as Kunming-Hat Yai to attract more Chinese tourists…
- Thailand News
Taxing times: Tourism Minister stands firm with 300 baht tourist tax
In a recent press conference, Thailand’s new Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, hinted at the impending introduction of a tourist tax, known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din, translating to a landing fee. Although no specific timeline was provided for its implementation, the newly-appointed minister emphasised the unlikelihood of abandoning the proposed tax. Sermsak, formerly the Culture Minister, assumed…
- Thailand News
Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy
A Pattaya City Council member issued a warning about the urgent need for tourist number controls and construction regulations on Koh Larn, an island now teetering on the brink due to its popularity. Phasakorn Yusoomboon, representing Pattaya District 1, voiced his concerns at the council meeting yesterday. He highlighted the island’s daily influx of over 10,000 tourists, with numbers soaring…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife
The private tourism sector in Pattaya convened a workshop yesterday to discuss strategies for repositioning the city as a comprehensive travel destination, aiming to shift its reputation beyond just a nightlife and entertainment hub. Representatives from eight tourism associations, four tourism clubs, and major tour operators within Pattaya City and Chon Buri province attended the event. Government officials from the…
- Tourism News
Thailand tourism thrives despite slow GDP growth
Thailand’s tourism sector demonstrates resilience, maintaining momentum despite a GDP growth of only 1.5% in the first quarter, which trails behind its regional counterparts. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this robustness to a quicker rebound in tourism compared to other industries and is planning to sustain this through the ongoing promotion of festivals. Reports have shown that large…
- Tourism News
Tourism in Koh Samui hampered by shortages and infrastructure
Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses. Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani‘s Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province’s pressing tourism challenges. Koh…
- Thailand News
PM tunes up tourism: Bangkok’s Song Wat set to hit high notes
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to enhance the promotion of Song Wat, one of Bangkok’s most historic trading areas, as a prime tourism destination. Following a walk along Song Wat Road and discussions with young entrepreneurs yesterday, the Thai premier expressed on his X account, formerly Twitter, that…
