PUBLISHED: 13 Oct 2024 at 04: 00
Hospitality and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said a co-payment domestic tourism campaign scheme aimed at Northern Thailand that has been hit by the flood will be submitted to the cabinet for approval.
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 program, 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 travel paying among Thai citizens and promoted the restoration 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 on Friday and Saturday, said companies asked the government to provide tax deductions, reduce electricity and water bills, and provide gentle loans to help the industry recover.
He stated that the government will be given their ideas so that it can put together relief measures that are appropriate for their needs.