Ministry sets out five-year plan

BANGKOK, 23 May 2012: Ministry of Tourism and Sports says its 11th National Tourism Development Plan 2012 to 2016 will attempt to upgrade Thailand’s tourism products to ensure the industry can reach the government’s goal to earn Bt2 trillion in tourism-related revenue by 2020.

The ministry’s permanent secretary, Suwat Sidthilaw, said on Tuesday: “The plan will be a model for provincial local authorities to build tourism and raise competitiveness and standards to a global level.”

There are five strategies.

• Develop infrastructure and logistics (supply and organising services) related to domestic and international tourism;

• Rehabilitate tourism sites, improve quality by revamping rules and regulations to ensure the country can accommodate more tourists;

• Build a creative economy by launching new products as well as encouraging investment in tourism opportunities while building human resources;

• Build Thailand’s image so that the country can attract more visitors and improve spending;

• Improve cooperation between government and all local organisations involved in tourism management.

The 11th National Tourism Development Plan 2012 to 2016 was approved in the government gazette on 17 June 2011.