BANGKOK, Oct 11 (TNA) – An economic cabinet gave the greenlight to 18 tourism stimulus measures, proposed by the Tourism and Sports Minister to stimulate economy in the last quarter of this year.
Kobsak Phutrakul, minister to the Prime Minister’s Office said that after Friday’s economic cabinet meeting acknowledged the global economic situation, which took its toll on Thai exports.
These measures are aimed at attracting more tourists to push for the country’s GDP growth to reach three per cent.
Mega world events will be held such as the Ultra Trail Thailand, the Tomorrowland music festival and the World Cannabis Expo.
Short-term measures include reviewing laws and regulations to support the use of e-wallet by foreign tourists and to promote domestic tourism among expat group.
Operation hours of two border check points will be extended to 24 hours during weekends and long holiday and issuance of electronic visa (E-visa) will be accelerated for Chinese tourists.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects this year’s tourism income will increase to 1.12 trillion baht, or about 10-20 per cent growth from the previous target of 1.05 trillion baht. (TNA)
