Minister suggests a variation of the well-known co-payment system to entice visitors
Discussed: 12 Oct 2024 at 20: 56
Hospitality and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said a co-payment hospitality advertising scheme aimed at northeastern Thailand that will be approved will be presented to the cabinet for consideration.
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 after this year, he said.
The program, which was suggested by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is one of the essential measures needed to recover the market of the flood-affected region, particularly Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, according to Mr. Sorawong.
If the program succeeds, the government did consider expanding it to other places, he added.
A similar initiative,” Rao Tiew Duay Kan” ( We Travel Together ), introduced by the previous government, provided up to 40 % off accommodation, airfares and dining at local outlets. This boosted Thai travelers ‘ spending and supported the restoration of the tourism industry following the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Sorawong said the financial losses from the flood have been significant, including lost business opportunities, as Chiang Mai is a popular holiday destination.
He claimed that the government intends to hold a smart cabinet meeting in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to bring attention to the difficulties, encourage economic growth, and raise people ‘ confidence.
On Friday and Saturday, Mr. Sorawong visited Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and met with business leaders in the hospitality sector. He claimed that companies asked the government to provide tax deductions, reduce electricity and water expenses, and offer gentle loans to support the market recover.
He claimed that the government may receive their ideas so they could pass along relief measures that would be appropriate for their needs.