The government plans to kickstart the tourism industry with a raft of measures aimed at generating 2.4 trillion baht in related income this year, about 80% of the peak recorded in 2019, spokesman Chai Wacharonke said yesterday.
The target for revenue from domestic tourism has been set at 3.1 trillion baht for 2024.
The country expects to welcome 40 million international visitors next year, Mr Chai said.
The government hopes to see 28 million international tourists this year generating over 1.4 trillion baht in income, compared to 600 billion baht last year, he added.
Total tourism-related income this year should tally at 2.4 trillion baht, he noted.
"The 2.4 trillion baht accounts for 80% of what was earned before the pandemic," the spokesman said.
To help realise its target, the government is launching 10 measures to stimulate the economy through tourism promotions.
The first is an offer of a visa waiver to tourists from China and Kazakhstan.
Another plan is afoot to step up security for international visitors to Thailand, he said, as fears of unsafe travels have deterred some Chinese tourists from visiting.
Commercials and public relations campaigns will be highlighted through the travel experiences of social media influencers, singers, stars and high-level government officials from China to help boost promotions further, he said.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will lead a roadshow on Thailand's tourism and inviting tourists from targeted countries, said Mr Chai.
Direct flights to and from key markets to Thai provinces, viewed as secondary destinations, will also be increased.
