PUBLISHED: 13 Oct 2024 at 04: 00
Hospitality and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said a co-payment tourism promotion plan aimed at the flood-hit North may get put forth for the cabinet’s approval.
Sorawong: Notes financial difficulties
First dubbed” Travelling North Half-Half”, the system will provide incentives of up to 400 baht per journey to 10, 000 people who visit the North area later this year, he said.
The co-payment project, proposed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is among urgent steps needed to repair the business of the flood-affected region, mainly Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, he added.
If the program succeeds, the government did consider expanding it to other places, he said.
A similar initiative,” Rao Tiew Duay Kan” ( We Travel Together ), implemented during the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, provided up to 40 % off accommodation, airfares, and dining at local outlets. This boosted Thai travelers ‘ spending and promoted the treatment of the tourism industry following the pandemic.
Mr Sorawong said the financial losses from the inundation are major, including losses of company possibilities, as Chiang Mai is a popular holiday destination. In either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, the government plans to carry a mobile government appointment in the midst of the crisis to promote economic activity and raise people ‘ confidence, he said.
Mr. Sorawong, who traveled to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and spoke with business owners about the sector’s recovery on Friday and monday, said companies asked the government to provide tax deductions, reduce electricity and water bills, and offer gentle loans to support the sector.
He added that the government will be given their suggestions so that it can take appropriate action for relief measures.