Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has urged the public and private sectors to join forces to encourage tourists to travel to second-tier destinations nationwide.
During his visit to the Tourism and Sports Ministry yesterday, Mr Somkid gave tourism authorities and the private sector a working timeline of 3-6 months to put his ideas into action.
The move is part of the national tourism strategy to maintain the sector as one of Thailand's key economic engines.
Next year the government aims to receive 35 million foreign tourists, log more than 160 million domestic trips and tally tourism revenue of 3-3.1 trillion baht.
Mr Somkid said tourism has been one of the most important industries in recent years, with the potential to account for 20% of the country's GDP.
"The World Bank predicts strong growth for Thai tourism in 2018," he said.
The government wants to promote second-tier destinations to boost the economy and generate income for communities such as Samut Sakhon, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Lampang, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Phetchaburi.
"Don't worry about the budget as local administrations and authorities will be allocated funds to develop or renovate attractions," said Mr Somkid.
He said low-cost carriers will play a big role in bringing tourists to second-tier destinations, while the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration will work with local communities to promote noteworthy sites.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is also set to promote more communities as new attractions.
"Up to 155 communities will be pinpointed and promoted over the next 3-4 months," said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.
Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, said the airline will continue focusing on second-tier destinations over the next three years. The airline has been expanding its routes locally over the past few years.
Mr Somkid said tourism stakeholders are being urged to develop new attractions or activities such as the One Tambon One Product scheme. Chiang Mai can also be promoted as a coffee town, while the Mekong River can be promoted as a new cruise destination, he said.
"Most importantly, tourists must feel safe once they touch down, the same as when we land in Japan," said Mr Somkid.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has been asked to boost meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions business, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Supawan Tanomkieatpume, president of the Thai Hotels Association, has called on the government to ease non-registered hotels out of the market because of their negative impact on the industry. Individual residences partnering with Airbnb are required to have hotel licences.
Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, committee member of Thai Travel Agents Association, asked the government to enhance public services such as trains, national parks and public toilets, especially in second-tier destinations.
