More direct flights wanted to region
This year and the years to come will be vigorously promoted overseas as years for visiting the North in an effort to boost the declining tourist arrivals in the region. The promotion was touted at a meeting of tourism-related agencies chaired by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej in Chiang Mai yesterday.
The meeting was told that aggressive investment and development steps would be taken to improve and create tourism resources in the region and to accelerate a push for the North to become a major world tourist destination.
The country's tourism sector will also be made more competitive and private business and tour operators will be encouraged to boost their product standards and services.
Mr Samak said tourism stimulation policies were necessary in light of the falling tourist numbers in Chiang Mai, the gateway to the region, during the Songkran festival in April.
He said the government was looking to increase the region's capacity to accommodate more tourists and creating incentives for longer stays.
He said foreign holidaymakers were not losing confidence in the country despite the ongoing anti-government protests.
Tourism and Sports Minister Veerasak Kowsurat said last year the country earned 928 billion baht from tourism, 380 billion baht of which was generated by foreign visitors.
He said it was interesting to note that while foreigners accounted for only 14% of tourists last year, they were responsible for around 40% of the tourism revenue.
This year, the government projects the tourism revenue would top one trillion baht, he said. The larger slice of the revenue would come from securing new tourist segments.
Mr Veerasak said his ministry, receiving the fourth smallest budget from the government, would market destinations in the North according to the categories of attractions _ like hot springs, national parks, adventure and the Lanna culture _ the provinces have to offer.
Veerayut Suwatthako, chairman of the private tourism operators committee, said the committee has presented suggestions to the government for improving the northern tourism infrastructure. The plans also call for the construction of a major convention centre in Chiang Mai by September.
The quality of transportation and logistical networks must also be boosted.
Kanok Suwanvisut, chairman of the Thai Hotels Association in the North, said on average hotels in Chiang Mai were only 20% full. The government should step in to help by allowing more direct flights to connect Chiang Mai with the rest of the world.
Amornpan Nimanan, Lamphun governor, said Lamphun had the potential to attract visitors for its ancient cultural heritage. The province positions itself as one of the birthplaces of the Lanna culture with many old temples and historical sanctuaries. He said it was also possible to organise a tour of the industrial estate in the province.
Chote Naramonthon, deputy president of Mae Hong Son chamber of commerce, said the transport networks serving the province must be improved to make access to the province easier.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Next
