Domestic tourist subsidy faces delay

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has convinced hotel operators the government will not cancel the 3.5-billion-baht subsidy scheme for domestic tourists during the low season, though the project will be delayed a month.

- NARUMON KASEMSUK

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the ministry also acknowledged foreign tourists’ concerns regarding the downturn of the Thai tourism industry, shared on the Bangkok Post Facebook page this week, as the topic was widely circulated and discussed among residents.

Mr Sorawong said the subsidy scheme was expected to be submitted to the cabinet this month, but the ministry asked the Tourism Authority of Thailand to revise privilege conditions to help distribute income in second-tier cities rather than concentrating them in a few main destinations as in the past.

He said the government still has sufficient budget for this project, but the recent proposal from the Association of Thai Travel Agents requesting a subsidy for chartered flights requires careful evaluation.