A new national tourism campaign for 2018 is being drafted aimed at maintaining the country's tourism revenue growth at 8-10%, on par with this year's projection, says Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn.
The campaign will focus on attracting more quality tourists rather than increasing the number of tourist arrivals. Another goal is promoting new tourist attractions and products in both domestic and international markets.
In this regard, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration will help promote new community attractions in domestic and overseas markets. Dasta aims to launch several promotions in 99 communities across the country, starting with a tourism fair this July.
"Next year the tourism authorities will focus more on strong markets such as China, Europe and Southeast Asia," Gen Thanasak said on Monday after meeting private operators.
China and Asean contribute 27% each of foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand, followed by Europe at 19%.
"Revenue from the tourism sector will continue to grow in 2018 at a rate of 8-10% based on this year's growth projection," he said.
Domestic and international tourism markets are expected to generate combined income of 2.5 trillion baht this year, up from 2.4 trillion last year.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry and other related state agencies are studying global conditions and their impact on tourism in drafting a 2018 tourism campaign. They expect to have concrete ideas and action plans by the second half of the year.
The World Travel and Tourism Council predicted the global tourism industry would contribute 10% of global GDP this year. Thai tourism represents 15-16% of national GDP.
In a bid to boost quality tourists from mainland China, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul plans to meet officials from the China National Tourism Administration in Chiang Mai and Pattaya during June 13-17.
They will discuss and exchange the latest information concerning the zero-dollar tour problem and tourism scams. The meeting will also look into illegal tour guides and operator licences from both countries.
Vichit Prakobgosol, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said zero-dollar tour packages from China have declined significantly since the Thai government's heavy crackdown on such operators here last October.
"I think more free individual travellers from China will come to Thailand, and Thai tourism operators should prepare services and products to suit this group, who differ from tour group visitors," he said.
Ittirit Kinglake, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said it would work with its members and the private sector to enhance service standards.
The TCT is scheduled to sign an agreement with the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute on June 9 to produce a quality and certified workforce in the market.