TAT earmarks budget for year-end foreign markets
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to allocate part of its emergency budget to stimulate foreign markets during the final two months of the year.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is allocating part of its emergency budget to boost foreign tourism markets in the final two months of the year, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool indicated that many airlines are reducing flights to the region, potentially impacting global travel sentiment.
To support foreign markets during this period, TAT will use funds designated for emergency situations, following the recent decision by the National Tourism Policy Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. The subsidy scheme, akin to the Thailand Summer Blast program, will consider minimum load factor requirements and new route eligibility.
The initiative will commence this month and aims to complement popular year-end events like Vijit Chaophraya, Tomorrowland, and EDC Phuket. TAT Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, Chiravadee Khunsub, noted that increasing short-haul flights is more feasible than targeting long-haul markets, as short-haul travelers can adapt more quickly.
Airlines serving long-haul markets face greater difficulties in increasing capacity due to pre-planned schedules. As of October 31, Thailand had received 25.5 million foreign visitors, a 4.6% decrease year-on-year, falling short of the targeted 33 million arrivals. To reach the goal, TAT needs to attract more than 7 million additional tourists in the remaining two months.
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- TAT earmarks budget for year-end foreign markets bangkokpost.com
