TAT to rejig B3.5bn stimulus budget

Agency to rebalance allocation of funds

- NARUMON KASEMSUK

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is adjusting the proposed stimulus budget of 3.5 billion baht, planning to add subsidies for chartered flights serving the Chinese market and promotional campaigns with global online travel agents (OTAs), in addition to the domestic co-payment scheme.

The agency wants to achieve this year's revenue target of 3 trillion baht.

The revised marketing plan aims to help Thailand reach the new target of 35.5 million foreign arrivals, close to last year's level, while the revenue target is projected to grow by 10% from 1.67 trillion baht last year.

The TAT previously targeted 39 million foreign arrivals this year generating 2.23 trillion baht.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the target for the domestic market remains unchanged at 1.17 trillion baht from 205 million trips, as the co-payment scheme for Thai tourists is expected to be launched in the second half.

The agency previously expected to request the cabinet allocate 3.5 billion baht for these promotions.