Tourism and Sports Minister Sontaya Kunplome said promotions were deemed necessary to restore confidence -- before the bloody events in the south create a negative impact on the overall tourism industry. Authorities need to deal with the issue quickly as travel agents usually start selling packages for high-season travel in June. The high season runs from October to March. TAT said the budget would be spent this month and October, with 385 million baht on overseas promotions and 50 million baht for a low-season campaign.
Thailand sets up emergency fund for tourism push
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has allocated a 1.2 billion baht (US$29.5 million) package to contain damage from recent violence in the south. The emergency-spending plan follows fears that overseas travel agents will advise clients to avoid visiting Thailand this year.
