Tourism revenues are rising in Thailand, Tourism and Sports Minister Suvit Yodmani said Monday, and the government this week will discuss strategies to further boost tourism, Tourism and Sports Minister Suvit Yodmani said Monday.
Speaking after a video conference with the prime minister, Mr. Suvit said he had presented a status report on Thailand's tourism in 2006 and the first three months in 2007 to Gen. Surayud Chulanont.
During this year's first quarter, Mr. Suvit said, tourism income rose by 9.6 per cent to Bt142 billion (US$4.1 billion) compared to the same period last year, while the number of foreign visitors rose to 3.82 million tourists, an increase of 5.4 per cent.
The number of tourists from the Middle East and Europe was up by 30 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.
Mr. Suvit reported that the government committee on national tourism policy will meet Tuesday at Government House to map out tourism strategies to boost high-end tourism for the second half of this year.
Regarding the planned construction of a man-made island off the island resort of Phuket for billionaires to moor their yachts while on holiday, which was inspired by a visit there by American billionaire Bill Gates,
the minister said it will help promote a good image for Thai tourism.
He said Thailand supports foreign investment in the sports and tourism sector, but that more details of this project must be studied further.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Pornsiri Manoharn said the plan for an artificial offshore marina demonstrates the investor's impression regarding the beauty of beaches along the Andaman coast and confidence in the safety of Thailand for well-to-do visitors on holiday.
TAT's campaign has succeeded in reviving tourism along the Andaman coast after the area was hit by tsunami in 2004, she said.
Phuket tourism has grown quickly since then, Mrs.Pornsiri added, by the addition of one thousand more rooms to accommodate tourists, amounting to a total of 32,000 tourist rooms here.
A survey in 2006 by FutureBrand magazine revealed that Thailand was voted by tourists across the globe as the tourist attraction first in giving value-for-money worldwide, and was ranked the world's ninth most beautiful tourist destination.
Bill and Melinda Gates sailed to Phuket by luxury yacht in April and were reportedly impressed by the beautiful white sandy beaches there.
No comments:
Post a Comment