While visiting the head office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) yesterday, Suvit said he would redevelop tourist attractions throughout the Kingdom.

The move is aimed at attracting more tourists by offering new tourism "products", as well as at encouraging more tourists to return to the country.

Tourism was successful for decades thanks to a wide variety of attractions, from beaches to mountains, from traditional culture to business travel. But Suvit said many tourist attractions had been degraded, particularly natural sites.

Suvit said the TAT and related bodies must solve the problem. He wants the TAT to outline a long-term plan for tourism, in order to improve the entire industry.

"I would say the TAT should have its own 10-year plan for specific tourism development," said Suvit.

Suvit also called on the TAT to increase tourists' spending during their stay in the Kingdom, from the present average of Bt3,700 to Bt4,000 per head per day.

The minister also wants encourage tourists to visit more provinces instead of sticking only to the five major cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin.

Suvit said he would also increase the number of niche markets, including spas, honeymoon trips and health and medical tourism. The ministry will also encourage local tourists to travel within the country.

The TAT has targeted 15.12 million international tourists this year, up 13 per cent from last year, generating revenues of Bt533 billion, up 18.4 per cent.

Domestic travel is expected this year to reach 79.3 million trips, up 4 per cent from last year, and generate revenues of Bt378 billion, an 8.8-per-cent increase.

However, the domestic target is unlikely to be reached, because the recent heavy storms and earlier political unrest have put a damper on local travel.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation