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In a boost for tourism, the Thailand government has approved a tax cut on alcohol and for entertainment venues. Taxes on wine will be halved from 10% to 5% while the 10% tax on spirits will be scrapped. Also, the excise tax levied on entertainment venues will be halved to 5%. They are temporary measures which will last until the end of 2024. It is the latest move to boost the night time entertainment industry after opening hours were extended to 4am recently in major tourism areas. Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said additional spending by tourists will offset any cut in the tax revenues. The government said it reached the amended tourist arrivals target of 29 million in 2023. It is forecasting 34 million tourist arrivals for 2024.  

Speaking on the sidelines at World Travel Market, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot Deputy Governor for International Marketing. Europe Africa Middle East and Americas, exclusively speaks about Thailand’s focus on meaningful people-to-people connections. This underpins Thailand tourism’s ‘Meaningful Relationship’ campaign, which encompasses immersion in local communities, food and experiences. “Thailand always begins with the local people and their hospitality. That is why Thais are a very important resource,” he said. Siripakorn also shared the philosophy behind the Responsible Thailand Awards and the implementation of its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs). This awards tourism businesses with a STAR rating for their ‘sustainable approach and management.’ Siripakorn said there are currently more than 250 businesses with a STAR rating.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently rolled out its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing concept to tourism industry delegates during World Travel Market 2023. The Amazing Thailand Press Conference was presented by TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, along with fellow TAT executives. Ms. Thapanee said: “The new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ concept is designed to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection with local communities and Thailand.” This encompasses nature, the Thai people and the country itself. “When travellers form a relationship with the people they meet and the place they visit, they will have an opportunity of creating lifelong friends” The concept will be incorporated into TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thailand as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. To this end, TAT has partnered with the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) to promote its sustainable travel messaging to the UK market. During 2023 Ms Thapanee cited a biggert focus on Thai food and cultural activities as a way to increase people-to-people connections. TAT has developed and implemented its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations Development Programme. TAT’s STGs encompass the entire tourism industry in a Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system. Businesses that comply with goals attain a corresponding number of stars. Currently, there nearly 300 businesses with STAR certifications in Thailand. Meanwhile, TEATA, in collaboration with Tourlink, has developed seven carbon-neutral travel routes for travellers to explore Thailand. Featured destinations include Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Phangnga, Trat, Phetchaburi, and the three Isan provinces of Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Loei. For the UK market, TAT will place a focus on luxury, wellness and responsible travel segments to boost spending and to encourage longer stays in local areas. For 2024, Thailand is targeting over 900,000 UK tourist arrivals.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is using the WTM 2023 as a platform to launch its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing concept to a worldwide tourism industry audience. The Amazing Thailand Press Conference was helmed by Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, as well as TAT executives. Ms. Thapanee said:“ The new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ concept is designed to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection with Thailand.” “When travellers form a relationship with the people they meet and the place they visit, they will have an opportunity of creating lifelong friends” The concept will be incorporated into TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thailand as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. TAT has developed and implemented its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations Development Programme. TAT’s STGs encompass the entire tourism industry in a Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system. Businesses that comply with goals attain a corresponding number of stars. Currently, there are 251 businesses with STAR certifications in Thailand. TAT also held the annual Responsible Thailand Awards. They recognise sustainable Thailand tourism in six categories such as Animal Welfare, Nature, Community-based Tourism and Hotel, Eco Lodge/Eco Hotels. This year, the winners are Mahouts Elephant Foundation, New Heaven Reef Conservation Programme, Kao Thep Pitak Community Restaurant, Devasom Khao Lak Resort, Elephant Hills, and Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary. TAT’s partner, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) in collaboration with Tourlink, has developed seven carbon-neutral travel routes for travellers to explore Thailand. while helping reduce the impact on the environment. Featured destinations include Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Phangnga, Trat, Phetchaburi, and the three Isan provinces of Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Loei. For the UK market, TAT will place focus on potential segments with higher spending, a tendency to stay longer, and those wanting to explore local areas. These segments include luxury, wellness and responsible travel. From 1 January - 31 October 2023, Thailand recorded over 21.6 million arrivals and generated over THB927 billion. The top five markets are Malaysia, China, South Korea, India and Russia. The UK market contributed 617,017 tourists.

In a big move to boost Thailand tourism, Chinese tourists will get a visa exemption. It is a temporary measuring kicking off from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024. It is also valid for nationals of Kazakhstan. Chinese and Kazakhstani travellers will be given the tourist visa exemption for a stay of up to 30 days. “This stimulus visa scheme forms measures to boost the Thai economy through travel and tourism,” the Ministry of Tourism said. “Ultimately, it will help revive Thai tourism and reach the revenue target set for this year.” During the five-month tourist visa exemption period, Thailand is targeting up to 2.8 million Chinese tourists It forecasts about 130,000 from Kazakhstan. As of 10 September 2023, Thailand has so far welcomed 2.2 million Chinese visitors, the number two source market behind Malaysia. The visa exemption period starts just before the busy Golden Week holidays in China.

   

Happy Songkran Thai New Year

 

Happy Songkran Thai New Year! Traditional Thai new year is a time in which family is honored and seniors are deeply respected. Celebrations span across Thailand and beyond between April 13-15. You can also get a taste of this enchanting festival in the U.S., from Minnesota's Songkran Festival (May 27 & 28), Houston Asian Culture Festival (May 20 & 21), to Thai Festival Chicago (June 10 & 11).

 

Celebrate Songkran in the U.S. →

    Thailand's Festivals & Events in April 2023   April brings lots of exciting events and festivals to Thailand. In addition to its 3-day celebratory events for Songkran Thai New Year, experience many other cultural and religious festivals throughout the month including: 3rd Muang Boran Light Fest 2023, Van Gogh Alive, Isan Creative Festival 2023, Phuket Bike Week 2023, and more.   Discover April in Thailand →       'Rolling Loud' Hip-Hop Music Festival in Pattaya   The world's top hip-hop music festival will stage its premier concert in Asia at Pattaya's Legend Siam, April 13-15. Headliners for the 3-day festival include Travis Scott, Cardi B, and Chris Brown, along with performances by rap stars Rick Ross, Waka Flocka Flame, and Soulja Boy.   View the Lineup & Buy Tickets →       241st Anniversary of Bangkok's Krung Rattanakosin   The ministry of culture has announced a series of celebratory events to commemorate the 241st Anniversary of Bangkok's Krung Rattanakosin - founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. The opening ceremony will take place at the National Museum Bangkok and the National Theatre on April 21. Celebrations will continue through April 25, featuring cultural performances, a night museum, a retro-style food market, and a fair selling cultural products from Thailand's 76 provinces and from Bangkok's 50 districts.   Learn More About the Anniversary →       Visiting Thailand with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide   The summer travel season is right around the corner. Whether you're looking to relax, learn more about Thai culture, climb a mountain, explore a cave, fly through the sky on a zipline, or meet some new elephant friends, Thailand truly has something to enthrall everyone in the family. From intricate Buddhist temples that offer a lesson in architecture and history to breathtaking national parks and beaches, Thailand's unique alchemy is one-of-a-kind.   Thailand's Family-Friendly Guide →     Traveling Solo in Thailand   From choosing your own itinerary (and changing it on a whim) to not having to worry about the responsibilities of pleasing a group, solo traveling has lots of perks. TAT compiled a guide to traveling alone in Thailand - including safety tips, destinations to explore, and excursions fit for singles.   Check Out the Travel Guide →

   

Amazing Thailand Events and Festivals in February 2023

  From the ‘Red Lotus Sea’ and Chiang Mai Flower Festival, to the Amazing Muay Thai Festival, Bangkok Design Week, and Concert in the Park #30, there’s plenty going on this month. February is a wonderful time of the year to visit Thailand, with the cooler climate making traveling around even more enjoyable. Flowers and foliage are in bloom in the north of Thailand, popular places such as Phuket and Krabi are as amazing as ever, and there are fantastic festivals and events to experience. Discover February in Thailand →    

TAT Announces “Amazing Thailand Experience Forum”

  The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New York and Toronto Offices – in partnership with Air Canada, THAI Smile Airways, and various partners in Thailand – facilitated the ‘Amazing Thailand Experience Forum’ in Bangkok and Khao Lak (Phang-nga) from February 5-15, 2023. The program served as an opportunity for 60 agents to experience luxury travel offerings and build relationships with over 100 luxury Thai suppliers. Read about the ‘Amazing Thailand Experience Forum’ here and find out more about how to become a certified Thailand specialist through the Thai The Knot Specialist program here. Learn More →    

China Airlines Adds Capacity to Thailand

  China Airlines announces the launch of direct flight service from Taipei to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand’s largest city. The addition of four weekly flights on the Chiang Mai route means China Airlines now offers 27 roundtrip flights to Thailand each week, greatly boosting convenience for business and tourist travel between the two regions. Read the latest news here and explore flights here. Take Me to Thailand →    

T+L World’s Best Awards Survey Closing for Votes on February 28th

  The 2023 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey is live now through February 28, 2023 including a number of Thailand tourism partners in the Hotel Brands, Airlines, Destination Spas, Islands, and Cities categories. Cast your votes before the deadline closes by visiting the survey here. Vote for Thailand →    

TAT Introduced “The Michelin Experience @Isan”

  TAT introduced “The MICHELIN Experience @Isan” to promote Thai-Isan food culture, congratulating 33 entries from four representative cities of the Northeast Isan region for being included in The MICHELIN Guide Thailand’s 2023 Bib Gourmand list. “The MICHELIN Experience @Isan” shined a spotlight on Thai-Isan food culture and celebrated the inclusion of the region in the sixth edition of The MICHELIN Guide Thailand. The partnership between TAT and The MICHELIN Guide began in 2017 with the launch of The MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018. The success throughout the first five years resulted in the project being extended for another five years from 2022 to 2026 – guaranteeing continued promotion of gastronomy tourism to Thailand. Experience Thai Isan →    

TAT Strengthens “Visit Thailand Year 2023” Towards a Meaningful Travel Direction

  TAT is strengthening the ongoing “Visit Thailand Year: Amazing New Chapters” campaign towards a meaningful travel direction. Underlining the kingdom’s soft power foundations and experience-based tourism, key strategies include elevating supply and sustainable standards, and raising awareness among stakeholders about the importance of being hospitable hosts to all visitors. Explore Meaningful Travel Thailand →    

Banyan Tree Extends Branch Of Hope To Koh Samui Students

  Philanthropy lies close to the roots at luxury hotel group, Banyan Tree. Through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, the group has sponsored hundreds of causes and projects worldwide. Most recently, Banyan Tree Samui secured funding and helped to reconstruct Wat Santi Wanaram Child Development Centre following devastation from a tropical storm. Read the story here. Read More →    

A Guide To Thai Spices

  Hot spices have been used in recipes and cooking for over 6,000 years and on the heels of International Hot and Spicy Foods Day (January 16), we’re bringing you some fun facts from sizzling Thailand. Thailand has a rich culinary heritage and there are said to be five tastes in Thai cooking: spicy, sweet, sour, salty, and creamy – all combinations and intensity of these flavors can make their way into one dish. Read more here. Let's Get Spicy →    

A Bridge Not Too Far: Where Creativity Meets Innovation

  Deepak Ohri is an author of the book: A Bridge Not Too Far, Where Creativity Meets Innovation. The book was released on January 10th, 2023, and it is already recognized as one of the top manuscripts in the global marketing. Explores how Deepak Ohri’s humble beginnings have fueled his innovative entrepreneurial spirit and have informed his deeply human-centered approach to business and to life. Find Out More →

Thailand is expecting 10 million arrivals in 2022. With tourism receipts representing 20% of Thailand's GDP, they are now taking action to diversify and not have to rely on tourism as much.  

  The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to announce the launch of Feel Thailand with Delta and Korean Air, a bold new initiative that showcases Thailand's increased accessibility for U.S. travelers.   Taking place November 1-9, 2022, this one-of-a-kind mega-trip will bring together 50 travel agents from throughout the U.S. to experience Thailand's new offerings. Featuring stays in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, the nine-day outing will promote tourism by helping agents discover the latest tourism products, learn about sustainable and responsible tourism practices, meet with trusted trade suppliers in one-on-one meetings, and build strong relationships with program partners.   "With winter approaching on their doorstep, many Americans are finding now is the perfect time to rediscover the wonders of Thailand," said Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor. "With the country fully open to travelers, we want to showcase the new and perennial offerings of our kingdom that serve to create a truly unforgettable holiday."   U.S. travel agents will get a chance to live that holiday experience firsthand through Feel Thailand. Throughout the trip, participants will have the opportunity to sample a variety of adventures, whether it's sipping drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the dazzling Temple of Dawn in Bangkok, exploring a​ sustainable artisan-run village in Chiang Mai, or basking in a golden afternoon while island hopping in Phang Nga Bay.   "There are so many adventures awaiting U.S. travelers in Thailand," said Siriwan Seeharach, Director of the TAT Los Angeles Office. "We're making sure that those adventures are easier to access, no matter where you live in the U.S."   To achieve this goal, TAT is joining forces with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air to increase flight options for tourists traveling from the U.S. to Thailand. The industry-leading Delta-Korean Air transpacific joint venture offers customers greater choice and a more comprehensive range of benefits, including efficient connections to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket from a combined network of 17 U.S. gateways.   Traveling to Thailand also lets American tourists take advantage of an exceptionally strong U.S. dollar, currently trading at its highest since 2006. That translates into increased purchasing power for tourists, who will have more local currency to spend on lodging, food, recreation, and shopping.   Another element that recent visitors to Thailand have found appealing is the country's emphasis on meaningful travel. As part of the country's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model, TAT is working with its partners to promote sustainable tourism by creating quality standards for tourism while maintaining and rehabilitating natural resources in tourist areas.   In 2019, Thailand's tourism industry attracted more than 1.1 million U.S. visitors. This year, the country has set a target of 7-10 million international tourists overall.

Thailand has reached its initial target of attracting seven million foreign tourist arrivals this year. It recorded 7.35 million foreign tourist arrivals through October 26, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said. Malaysia is top source market with 1.25 million arrivals, followed by India with 661,751. The TAT had set a goal of 7-10 million foreign arrivals in 2022. The finance ministry predicts10.3 million arrivals by the year-end and21.5 million in 2023.  

Thailand’s oft-delayed tourist tax will definitely be implemented ‘next year’ says Thailand’s Minister of Tourism Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The fee of THB300 will apply to all foreigners entering Thailand regardless of visa status. However, transit and short stays of less than 24 hours will be exempt from paying it. Other exceptions such as foreign workers have yet to be confirmed. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism has planned on applying it for foreign air travellers only, but again this is yet to be confirmed.

Thailand has restated its aim of welcoming 10 million foreign tourist arrivals by the year-end. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said over  four million tourists have arrived in Thailand so far this year, and an annual total of 10 million is within reach. It would generate about THB1.2 trillion in spending. TAT expects about 160 million domestic trips this year. The Thailand tourism industry should fully recover by 2024, Yuthasak says.