The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with 13 allies for a new marketing campaign that aims to fetch some 200 million baht in domestic tourism revenue during the rainy season over the next four months.
Participating companies include hotels, airlines and car rental firms, which are set to offer special prices for travellers in the campaign, running from June 1 to the end of September.
"This period is considered the most stagnant time for tourism here, so this campaign encourages more people to travel domestically," said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the TAT.
Participating travellers can register via the TAT's Line account @iLoveTheRain to get a chance to win prizes valued at 3 million baht in total.
Tourism partners, namely Thai International Airways, THAI Smile, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, TraveliGo, Boutique Stay Travel, Chic Car Rent, KPN Car Rent, Local Alike, Tour Fah Sai, Grab, Muang Thai Insurance and Klook, will offer discounts and special deals for the next four months.
Mr Yuthasak estimates that the campaign could generate 200 million baht in tourism revenue during that period.
He hopes the new campaign will not only encourage Thais to go out and experience the local greenery, but also help stimulate the economy.
"Even though the tourism stimulus will run for four months, we would like everyone to go out and travel more within June to gain benefits from the tourism tax perk, which will end next month," Mr Yuthasak said.
This year's tourism tax incentives allow travellers who spend on tourism products such as accommodation and restaurants during May to June to claim a tax deduction of 20,000 baht when travelling in big provinces and 15,000 baht in small provinces.
The whole tax deduction is capped at 20,000 baht. Another 15,000 baht tax deduction is set for the purchase of local products from the One Tambon One Product scheme during the period.
According to the TAT, Thais will make 43 million trips during April to June, contributing 276 billion baht in income, up 6.3% and 9.7% respectively from the same period last year.
The agency predicts 1.1 trillion baht in revenue from domestic tourism this year and 2.2-2.3 trillion baht from international tourism.
Mr Yuthasak is positive that the goals can be achieved, though the tax deduction will be active for only a short period of time.
"Most importantly, Thais will recognise second-tier provinces as their new preferred destinations in the long run," he said.
