New Tourism Minister Focuses on Domestic Travel

Newly appointed Minister toPrime Minister’s Office and Tourism Authority of Thailand Chairman Adisai Bodharamik has unveiled a broad policy approach on tourism development.

At a meeting with TAT executives and staff early this week, Mr Adisai delivered his first statement showing his strong intention to promote domestic tourism along with inbound tourism. Mr Adisai also stressed that he would continue his predecessor Mrs Pavena Hongsakula’s polices at the TAT.

The Minister commented, “Since domestic tourism is one of the most effective and fastest means to disseminate tourism revenue to all parts of the country, TAT should therefore encourage more Thais to travel within the country and pay as much attention to domestic tourism as inbound tourism.”

“The TAT should strongly promote tourism activities and products in rural areas of Thailand because tourism can help raise rural people’s income and eventually their quality of life,” added Mr Adisai.

In addition, Mr Adisai promised strong partnerships between public and private sectors to promote inbound tourism and regional tourism. He also urged all 15 overseas TAT offices to work as both the country’s tourism promoters and sales co-ordinators.

Mr Adisai, deputy leader of Chart Pattana Party, was officially appointed on June 14th to replace Mrs Pavena who resigned earlier to run for Bangkok Governor.

Due to the upcoming general election later this year, Mr Adisai’s tenure is likely to be short, but he vowed to devote his time to improve the TAT’s marketing strategies for both inbound and domestic tourism. In 1999, international tourist arrivals totalled about 8.58 million, up 10.50% over 1998, generating about 253 billion baht (or about US$7 billion) in foreign exchange in 1999. Meanwhile, Thais made about 53.65 million domestic trips, creating about 203 billion baht worth of domestic consumption.