PUBLISHED: 17 Feb 2025 at 05: 04
A professor from Thammasat University urges the authorities to concentrate on attracting older tourists, who are more likely to stay in the country more and spend money.
The government has designated 2025 as the year of” Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism &, Sports,” with the goal of drawing at least 3 trillion ringgit in earnings this year and attracting 40 million international visitors.
With the help of companions in various sectors, the initiative aims to establish Thailand as a top international tourist destination by promoting world-class concerts, performances, and sporting events. Additionally, measures will be taken to improve traveler comfort and safety.
Assoc Prof Saifon Suindramedhi, professor of Thammasat University’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said the project’s aim of receiving 40 million customers and making 3–3.5 trillion ringgit in income is possible.
She said Thailand welcomed about 35.5 million tourists next year, thus reaching the government’s novel target may require only an extra 5 million visitors.
She did point out that the program also adheres to traditional tourism strategies, similar to those used in the previous five years, with an emphasis on sporting events, food, and music.
These sights, she said, generally attract younger tourists who tend to stay for shorter times and spend less than older visitors. She suggested that the government also pay attention to high-spending visitors who may stay in the country for longer, specially seniors.
Additionally, Associate Professor Saifon advocates for the development of an ecosystem that supports senior citizens through welcoming industrial design and plans that address their needs.
” Older visitors don’t need to visit some sites in one day”, she said. They may only visit one or two locations per day, and they favor smaller, intermediate cities over larger, industrial sprawls.
” They seek satisfaction, pleasure and a sense of security,” she added”. They perhaps look for a location with an infrastructure that supports their needs, including elder-friendly hotels, visible medical services and welcoming native communities.”
She claimed that local communities are crucial to the sustainable tourism industry and that local people you provide cultural experiences for many travelers.
Saifon:’ Friendly ‘ industrial style