The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is confident its new Tiew-Free-Mee-Jing (Travel for Free, It's True) marketing campaign will attract more than 200,000 visitors to the 2013 Thailand Tourism Festival.
TAT has ploughed 70 million baht into the fair, which will run from June 5-9 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, and believes the event could generate 300 million baht in revenue.
Executive director for the Central Region Somchai Chompunoi said lucky draws with top prizes including tour packages with air tickets and luxury accommodation at five destinations will take place every day.
There will be about 100 rewards offered during the five-day fair and that could be a major draw for visitors, he said.
TAT will also invite ambassadors from Asean countries to join the festival's grand opening in order to promote Thailand as the centre of tourism in the region.
In order to be the centre of Asean tourism, Mr Somchai said TAT has to ensure the broad connectivity of Thai tourism with other countries to welcome the full liberalisation of the Asean Economic Community in 2016.
The event could be a stage to show Thailand's readiness, he said.
The fair will showcase 400 tour operators who are offering big discounts on an array of tourism-related products, services and promotions from hotels, resorts, airlines, car rental firms, cruise companies and travel agents.
In addition, TAT will organise a trade meeting at the event for 500 buyers and Thai tourism operators on June 5. It will also invite international tourism operators to join the Thailand Travel Mart on the same day.
Visitors will get a chance to buy a variety of goods and food items from the One Tambon One Product scheme as well.