The Thai government has launched an ambitious program called “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025,” which aims to attract more tourists and achieve significant financial results in the tourism sector. To implement this large-scale initiative, Thai authorities are joining forces with six leading global travel companies, including giants such as Grab, Agoda, Expedia, IHG, Marriott International and Trip.com Group. Prime Minister Patongtarn Shinawatra held meetings with the heads of these companies, discussing their roles in the project and identifying ways of cooperation. Thailand is expected to be able to attract more than 40 million foreign tourists by 2025 and achieve revenue of 3.4 trillion baht (about US$96 billion).
Three important concepts will be key areas for the implementation of this strategy. The first area, “Thai Charm,” will focus on promoting the unique cultural aspects of the country, such as national cuisine and the skills of local artisans. The second area, Hidden Gems, will be aimed at promoting lesser-known tourist attractions, which will allow for a more even distribution of tourism revenues across regions. Finally, the third area, Five Must-Dos, involves the creation of new tourist packages that combine Thai cuisine, cultural activities and participation in local festivals.
The first significant event under this program will be the Thailand Winter Festival, scheduled for November this year. The Prime Minister emphasized that this initiative is aimed not only at increasing the flow of tourists, but also at strengthening Thailand's position as a leading global tourist destination, famous for its cultural wealth, natural beauty and traditional hospitality. Representatives of travel companies also expressed hope for improved aviation infrastructure and increased transport accessibility of the country, which will significantly facilitate travel and increase comfort for tourists.
As part of the program aimed at developing the tourism sector, the government has provided for the creation of a special working group on tourism. This body will actively interact with various government agencies to overcome bureaucratic obstacles that may hinder the implementation of initiatives. One of the key areas of the group's work will be the promotion of new tourist experiences at all stages of travel, including the organization of global festivals and cultural events, which will certainly attract the attention of both local residents and international tourists.
Initiatives such as the "Five Must-Dos" and "Hidden Gems" are designed not only to expand opportunities for tourism businesses, but also to create new jobs in small communities. Such programs will help promote economic growth and infrastructure development, which is especially important for attracting tourists and investors. Many companies have already expressed their willingness to actively participate in these initiatives. For example, Grab, which has been operating in Thailand for 11 years, has announced its intention to expand its support for local entrepreneurs and communities. Anthony Tan, a company representative, praised the government's efforts to help flood victims and expressed its readiness to provide additional support, which highlights the importance of cooperation between business and government in the face of the challenges the country faces.
