Ministry now aims to roll out travel promotions for expats in Thailand
The Tourism and Sports Ministry aims to introduce travel packages to lure around two million expats in Thailand into travelling around the country to boost domestic tourism, with price promotions for accommodations and attractions equal to those offered to Thai tourists, Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said today (August 5).
The minister explained that because of the present Covid-19 situation, foreign tourists were unable to visit the country, “so we decided to stimulate domestic tourism through foreign expats in our country”.
The ministry will also discuss with the prime minister the need to reduce ticket prices for expats who visit various attractions and national parks.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the tourism sector to benefit to the tune of Bt10 billion from this expat travel package.
Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said TAT would issue special cards to expats to show at accommodations and attractions so they can avail of discounted prices.
TAT will discuss the issue with hotel operators this week.
Yuthasak also said that TAT aimed to increase revenue generated in the tourism industry this quarter, in order to urge more businesses in the sector to reopen.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry reported that 6.7 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in the first half of the year – a decrease of 66 per cent compared to the same period last year.
