Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launches the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival, aiming to transform Thailand into a global tourism hub with sustainable initiatives.
Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin presided over the opening ceremony of the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival 2024, which will run until today, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
Attending the ceremony were officials and figures from the Thai public and private sector, including Tourism and Sports Minister, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
Prime Minister Srettha said “Tourism is front and centre of the government’s policy in socio-economic development. We are harnessing the strength of the Thai soft powers, our rich tourism resources, breathtaking landscapes, and the famed Thai hospitality to propel Thailand into becoming a tourism hub. The Thailand Tourism Festival perfectly aligns with our plan.”
Billed as the country’s largest travel fair, the Thailand Tourism Festival is organised annually by the TAT. This year’s event is held under the ‘Suk Thanthee…Thi Tiew Thailand Tourism Festival’ (literally translated as ‘happy travelling at the Thailand Tourism Festival’) concept.
In its 42nd edition, the Thailand Tourism Festival leverages soft power and subculture to promote distinctive tourism resources in different regions as well as new travel experiences in well-established and lesser-known destinations, while encouraging tourists to travel responsibly through the ‘‘Zero Waste to Landfills’ initiative, said Tourism and Sports Minister, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
The festival will be made up of nine zones. TAT is also presenting its innovation approach to digital tourism and the ‘partnership 360 strategy’ to showcase tourism offerings along with fascinating soft powers and key landmarks from the five regions of Thailand and four other zones – Amazing Thailand, Thai Tourism Alliances, the Main Stage, and Sustainable Tourism Goals.
TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said “TAT expects the Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 to attract 150,000 visitors and generate 20 million reaches. We hope the event will inspire year-round domestic travel and help to generate around 1.4-1.5 billion Baht to the Thai economy.”
TAT is set to kick start the joyous month of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival on the festival’s last day, today, with awe-inspiring Songkran processions from five regions and the launch of new faith-based tourism routes to ring in the Thai New Year.