Thailand launches stimulus measures to attract Vietnamese tourists.

The Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2023 (TTM+ 2023) event, themed "Visit Thailand Year 2023, Amazing New Chapters," organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), recently took place in Bangkok, Thailand.

This theme is expected to transform Thailand into a meaningful tourist destination, enhancing the protection of the country's natural beauty and scenic landscapes, and promoting a range of sustainable tourism initiatives to protect the environment.

TTM+2023 showcased tourism products, services, and experiences aimed at promoting Thai cultural values ​​and enhancing the competitiveness of the country's tourism industry.

Targeting independent travelers

On the sidelines of the TTM+2023 event, in an interview with a reporter from Dan Tri newspaper, Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul - Director of Southeast Asia, South Asia and South Pacific Region of the Tourism Authority of Thailand - said that in 2022, the Vietnamese market was the 6th largest market for tourists visiting Thailand, with nearly 470,000 visitors.

From January to May this year, nearly 400,000 Vietnamese tourists visited Thailand. The country's tourism industry aims for the number of Vietnamese visitors this year to be at least equal to or higher than last year.

Answering the question about what attractive programs Thailand's tourism sector has to offer this year to stimulate tourism, Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul stated that Thai tourism will be presented in a new way to create valuable and meaningful experiences (Meaningful Travel). She also emphasized that Thailand is expected to be a destination for reunions and reunions.

Regarding attracting Vietnamese tourists, Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul stated that this year, TAT - Ho Chi Minh City Representative Office has begun promoting tourism activities targeting independent travelers.

Currently, the feedback received from tourists participating in these new forms of tourism is very positive.

Additionally, in Hanoi, TAT - Ho Chi Minh City Representative Office also held the Amazing Thailand Festival 2023, promoting the tourism campaign "Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters" through Thailand's Soft Power strategy, aiming to keep Thailand as one of the top favorite destinations for Vietnamese tourists.

"The event will feature a variety of activities, offering Vietnamese tourists the opportunity to visit and experience: traditional Thai cultural and artistic performances, try on Thai costumes and take photos at locations that recreate famous Thai tourist destinations, enjoy Thai cuisine, and shop for Thai products…," added Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul.

Thailand aims for sustainable tourism.

Furthermore, Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul, representative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that Thailand also offers socially responsible tourism, focusing on the community and the environment, in line with sustainable tourism and world-class destinations.

"The Soft Power of Thailand encompasses the 5 Fs: Food, Festivals, Film, Fight (Muay Thai), and Fashion, attracting tourists to Thailand to seek and explore what they desire."

"Thailand has everything a tourist could want and is always ready to provide the best experiences," said Sukanya Sirikanjanakul.

Sharing her thoughts on the Thailand tourism product and service experience tour program oriented towards sustainable tourism, Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul stated that an analysis of tourist behavior after the Covid-19 pandemic shows that the world in general and Vietnam in particular have undergone significant changes.

In particular, a large number of tourists are beginning to show interest in responsible or sustainable tourism, becoming more conscious of environmental issues. They hope to participate in activities that protect and preserve the environment and communities they visit.

In addition, tourists have a specific need for novel experiences and want to learn about and interact with the lifestyles of the communities they visit.

According to her, TAT's "Reborn the Nature" is a pilot tourism project that aims to adjust media promotion methods and tourist behavior towards sustainable tourism, contributing to responsible tourism destination awareness.

The project is being piloted in Koh Tao (Turtle Island), Surat Thani province, in southern Thailand. This area has more than 60 diving training facilities and boasts a beautiful ecosystem and natural environment both on land and underwater.

"TAT is piloting this project to communicate and promote tourism targeting tourists who are interested in and aware of conservation issues, or who desire a more meaningful form of tourism than a typical vacation."

"In this process, tourists not only have their relaxation and leisure needs met, but also have the opportunity to share with the destination community by contributing to minimizing the impact of their trip, creating valuable experiences and memorable moments," said Ms. Sukanya Sirikanjanakul.

In 2022, Thailand welcomed a total of 11.15 million international visitors, generating revenue of 589 billion baht, and recorded 189 million domestic trips, generating revenue of 641 billion baht.

In 2023, Thailand is expected to generate 2.38 trillion baht from tourism, with 1.5 trillion baht coming from the international tourist market and 880 billion baht from the domestic market.

This year, from January 1st to May 27th, Thailand welcomed nearly 10.4 million international tourists, generating 428 billion baht in revenue.

Bi Le