TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
One of the key outbound travel destinations for Middle East travellers, Thailand is back on track again, as it expects greater numbers of visitors from the region. The destination welcomed about 3.15 lakh Middle East visitors in 2022 and now with a new campaign, it aims to achieve one million visitors by 2025, says Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT),
Shehara Rizly
Elaborating on the Thailand Tourism’s campaign, Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that responsible and sustainable tourism will be the main direction in the future. “Earlier this year, Thailand Tourism announced 17 sustainable tourism goals divided into four main categories to be incorporated and serviced over the year and beyond. From sustainable development goals it goes on to sustainable tourism goals, which focus on awareness, education and accessibility, the second main criterion is the socio-economic way in which the inclusivity and development of local sourcing to waste management play a key role. Thirdly, the aspect of developing cultural strategies such as promoting sustainable destinations and local communities and the last segment, which is the impact of environment, a key factor in supporting tourism climate action and promoting land tourism ecosystems. The growing interest of the Middle East market in sustainable travel, shopping, health and wellness activities, we wish to deliver fresh travel experiences through Thailand soft power 5F: Food, Fight, Fashion, Film, and Festival, while highlighting Thailand’s strength in nature, and Thainess. TAT aims to create a meaningful travel experience that will not only be meaningful for travellers, but also for the local communities and the environment. In terms of the ATM exhibitors, we will have a total of 46 exhibitors from Thailand participating in the event,” he said.
Sharing the visitor numbers from the region, Supasorn said, “In 2022, Thailand welcomed 314,882 Middle East visitors, with nearly 100,000 visitors from Saudi Arabia, and around 66,000 visitors from the UAE. Visitors from the Gulf countries have a high average length of stay and daily expenditure.”
The TAT will focus on promoting Thainess, Happiness, Sustainable, Balanced, and Equitable growth. “Our campaign aims to attract both first-time and repeat visitors to experience the ‘Thai Way of Happiness’. We will then encourage them to share their experiences on social media with their loved ones, friends, and colleagues. By focusing on the idea of ‘forwarding messages’ in the online world, we will offer promotions to promote this practice. This will help raise awareness of Thailand and attract future visitors,” he added.
