Things Suggested to Promote Thai Tourism

[Guest MonkeySee]

Waive visa fees, cut air fares: Tourism and Sports Ministry

 

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has submitted 13 tourism recovery measures for government approval. The proposals include waiving visa fees, cutting air fares, and reducing airport charges.

 

Minister Chumpol Silapa-Archa said the proposed measures were handed to the government's economic team yesterday.

 

"The ministry has compiled [the measures] from the needs and proposals from the private sector," Chumpol said.

 

The tourism industry, which normally generates about 6-8 per cent of gross domestic product, is suffering from the global economic crisis and last year's eight-day closure of Bangkok's two commercial airports.

 

Among the measures proposed to revive sector, the ministry will urge Thai Airways International and other carriers to cut fares by 50 per cent to encourage more advanced bookings.

 

It is also urging the government to waive visa fees for tourists from all countries for six months, with a possible extension of a further six months.

 

The ministry has also asked the government to reduce value-added tax on hotel room rates for one year, and Airports of Thailand to reduce landing and parking fees at the country's international airports in a bid to persuade more airlines to restore their Thai operations.

 

Other measures would require government organisations to adjust their budgets for outside meetings and seminars so as to boost domestic tourism, plus a proposal that private companies' tax refunds for meetings and conferences be doubled.

 

Moreover, hotel operators have asked for an exemption from the annual fee of Bt80 per room they have to pay to the Revenue Department.

 

Banks, meanwhile, will be encouraged to extend debt-repayment periods for operators in the tourism sector for three years.

 

The Ministry also plans to promote the major destinations of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga for local tourism by reducing airport taxes and surcharges.

 

In addition, all national parks should play their part by waiving entrance fees for three years.

 

The government has also been urged to help workers in the tourism sector, which faces a high risk of increased job losses.

 

Chumpol said the Ministry would seek an additional budget from the government to assist the tourism sector.

 

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved Bt1 billion to help tourism and related businesses, but more funding was needed to support the recovery effort.

 

Prakit Chinamourphong, President of the Thai Hotels Association, said three- and four-star hotels planned to discount room rates by 50 per cent for people visiting the country in February and March.

 

Among the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan.

 

Shopping centres and tourist attractions in Bangkok and other key destinations are also supporting the tourism-recovery campaign.

 

Most hotels in Bangkok and other major tourist cities are running at lower-than-usual occupancy rates following the airport closures.

 

New promotion and marketing activities in both local and overseas markets are also planned.

 

- The Nation / 2009-01-15

 

[Gaybutton]

It's good to know that the latest Thai government is suggesting serious steps to regain foreign tourists. It will be interesting to see if they follow through. I wonder if the private sector, such as the hotels, will cooperate. But based on the article it seems as if at least someone in the tourism ministry sees the wisdom of reduced profits rather than empty airline seats and empty hotel rooms.

 

Now, let's see if the government also decides to recommend half price drinks and forfeiture of off fees at the gay venues . . .

[Guest laurence]

Now, let's see if the government also decides to recommend half price drinks and forfeiture of off fees at the gay venues . . .

 

Good idea GB! What the government really must do is to get their act together and not have mob rule and rule by coup. If the government is stable then people will come.

[Guest MonkeySee]

"It is also urging the government to waive visa fees for tourists from all countries for six months, with a possible extension of a further six months."

 

This sounds like a good idea.

 

"In addition, all national parks should play their part by waiving entrance fees for three years"

 

Wonderful idea. I would love to see more of the natural beauty of this great land.

 

"Among the measures proposed to revive sector, the ministry will urge Thai Airways International and other carriers to cut fares by 50 per cent to encourage more advanced bookings."

 

This is the best idea. Reduce the fare prices to at least the levels we experienced before the fuel crisis.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

I never mind paying a fee to National Parks, whether it is in Thailand or any other country. The money goes to maintaining the beauty of these parks. Some complain that farang have to pay more than Thais. I don't mind this in places like National Parks where they are partially maintained by tax money.

 

I think if the police would concentrate on cleaning up real crime, not chasing the vendors on the beach, allow entertainment venues to stay open to 3-4 am and the infrastructure were improved it would do a lot toward improving the tourism in Thailand.

[Guest Astrrro]

I never mind paying a fee to National Parks, whether it is in Thailand or any other country. The money goes to maintaining the beauty of these parks. Some complain that farang have to pay more than Thais. I don't mind this in places like National Parks where they are partially maintained by tax money.

 

On Ko Samet there are four prices farang adult, farang child, Thai adult and Thai child. On one trip to Samet I was charged the farang adult price but given a receipt for a farang child. I didn't complain, just figure it's none of my business.

 

The Samet entry fee was doubled a couple of years ago to 400 baht for farang adults but then later reduced back to 200 baht.

 

These fees are peanuts if staying for a few nights but quite high for daytrippers. Some backpacker types avoid the fee by walking from the ferrry to the beach where the fee is collected. If you're in a songthew one gets charged but if walking one doesn't unless if they have lots of luggage.