ID :
45030
Tue, 02/10/2009 - 20:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/45030
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Cabinet approves Bt1 billion to boost tourism
BANGKOK, Feb 10 (TNA) - In an attempt to revitalise Thailand's tourism industry battered by both domestic and external problems, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved spending Bt1 billion to assist the industry and attract foreign tourists to visit the kingdom, voted the "Best Value for Money" destination.
The Cabinet, according to a government spokesman, agreed to inject the funds requested by the Tourism and Sports Ministry in a bid to persuade foreign tourists to visit the 'Land of Smiles' in 2009.
Bt250 million will be spent on improving Thailand's image and international confidence, Bt350 million on tourism campaigns and Bt400 million on marketing campaigns, the spokesman said.
The government also plans to boost tourism by reducing taxes and duty for entrepreneurs this year. Details will be discussed by economic-related ministers on Wednesday.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) earlier projected that the number of foreign tourists to visit the kingdom in 2009 would rise three per cent to 14.5 million.
But tourist arrivals dropped sharply in the peak season due to the late November/early December airport seizure by anti-government protesters, political turbulence through the past year and the current global economic slump.
The TAT has been working hard to attract tourists back to Thailand, once again voted the 'Best Value for Money' destination by British holidaymakers, according to a survey conducted by the UK postal service. (TNA)
The Cabinet, according to a government spokesman, agreed to inject the funds requested by the Tourism and Sports Ministry in a bid to persuade foreign tourists to visit the 'Land of Smiles' in 2009.
Bt250 million will be spent on improving Thailand's image and international confidence, Bt350 million on tourism campaigns and Bt400 million on marketing campaigns, the spokesman said.
The government also plans to boost tourism by reducing taxes and duty for entrepreneurs this year. Details will be discussed by economic-related ministers on Wednesday.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) earlier projected that the number of foreign tourists to visit the kingdom in 2009 would rise three per cent to 14.5 million.
But tourist arrivals dropped sharply in the peak season due to the late November/early December airport seizure by anti-government protesters, political turbulence through the past year and the current global economic slump.
The TAT has been working hard to attract tourists back to Thailand, once again voted the 'Best Value for Money' destination by British holidaymakers, according to a survey conducted by the UK postal service. (TNA)
