Tourism revenue set at THB2 trillion in 5 years

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has set a target for Thai tourism revenue at two trillion baht in five years with a string of tourism stimulus measures.

On 29 March, Prime Minister Yingluck presided over the “Miracle Thailand 2012” to boost tourism according to the government’s declaration of the year 2011 and 2012 as “the Miracle Year of Thailand.” The objective of the campaign is to persuade foreign tourists to visit Thailand and join in the celebrations of auspicious occasions this year.

The Miracle Thailand 2012 is being held from 29 March–1 April 2012 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

The PM said tourism is the first business that rebounded and expanded fast after the flood crisis late last year. In 2011, tourism was the country’s main source of revenue, contributing as high as 700 billion baht, and the sector still continues to grow further this year. Ms Yingluck said in order to reach the targeted revenue of two trillion baht, cooperation would be needed from all ministries as well as the private sector.

According to the PM, the government’s tourism stimulus measures seek to heighten security for tourists, establish long-term branding for Thai tourism and develop transport infrastructure to connect the routes to neighboring countries.