ID :
170533
Thu, 03/24/2011 - 12:21
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/170533
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Thai PM wishes to promote tourism in Southeast Asia
BANGKOK, March 24 (TNA) - The Thai prime minister has promised to support tourism in Southeast Asia and apply new technologies with that aim, saying he expects 17 million tourists to visit Thailand this year.
During his speech at the ASEAN e-Travel Mart fair, which was held by the Tourism Technology Association at Plaza Athenee Hotel, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said tourism was a major industry in Southeast Asia, creating large numbers of jobs and supporting the region's gross domestic product significantly.
As Thailand's most lucrative industry, he explained, tourism brought over 15.8 million visitors to the country last year and made over 585 billion baht, accounting for 7% of its GDP. Thailand expects 17 million visitors this year and is simultaneously issuing more policies related to the industry on environmental conservation.
“Thailand wishes to see more visitors in the country and in the region. This growth is dependent on the use of technology, especially information technology, to help tourists who visit Thailand to find its beautiful destinations and to encourage more to come via on word of mouth through social networking sites,” the prime minister said.
He also encouraged ASEAN to begin utilising electronic means to promote tourism. He hopes that e-travel will boost confidence among tourists and ensure safety for travelers who use information technology to seek services such as hotel reservations and trip arrangements.
The prime minister added that his government is focusing on developing infrastructure to strengthen the national economy and insisted that the 8% economic growth last year clearly proved that the Thai economy could recover quickly, despite obstacles. He expects the national economy will still grow by 3.5-4.5% this year despite the recent interest rate increases. (TNA)
During his speech at the ASEAN e-Travel Mart fair, which was held by the Tourism Technology Association at Plaza Athenee Hotel, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said tourism was a major industry in Southeast Asia, creating large numbers of jobs and supporting the region's gross domestic product significantly.
As Thailand's most lucrative industry, he explained, tourism brought over 15.8 million visitors to the country last year and made over 585 billion baht, accounting for 7% of its GDP. Thailand expects 17 million visitors this year and is simultaneously issuing more policies related to the industry on environmental conservation.
“Thailand wishes to see more visitors in the country and in the region. This growth is dependent on the use of technology, especially information technology, to help tourists who visit Thailand to find its beautiful destinations and to encourage more to come via on word of mouth through social networking sites,” the prime minister said.
He also encouraged ASEAN to begin utilising electronic means to promote tourism. He hopes that e-travel will boost confidence among tourists and ensure safety for travelers who use information technology to seek services such as hotel reservations and trip arrangements.
The prime minister added that his government is focusing on developing infrastructure to strengthen the national economy and insisted that the 8% economic growth last year clearly proved that the Thai economy could recover quickly, despite obstacles. He expects the national economy will still grow by 3.5-4.5% this year despite the recent interest rate increases. (TNA)
