TAT deputy governor for domestic markets, Pornsiri Manoharn, said TAT will organise three promotions: Luxury Travel Mart aimed at the high-end market of Siam Paragon and its card members, the Isaan Travel Mart consumer fair to be held in June next year to promote Issan as a key region in 2007, and the Incentive Mobile Unit that will join with incentive operators to visit businesses at industrial estates.

Pornsiri said TAT will also target young people.

"The three new events to promote domestic markets are under the catch phrase, 'Travel worthy and preserve tourism attractions'," she added.  TAT's marketing plans for 2007 are being adjusted to meet the Ministry of Tourism and Sport policies to preserve and recover attractions and to encourage eco-tourism.

Currently, there are 800 attractions that need reconstruction or other work in Thailand.

TAT is targeting Bt377 billion in revenue from 82 million trips from the domestic market in 2007.

The authority's budget is Bt444 million for the first two quarters of 2007.  Ministry of Tourism and Sports permanent secretary Sakthip Krairiksh said the country would celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations, aimed at drawing more Japanese tourists.

Sakthip said that events will be held not only in Bangkok and Tokyo, but also upcountry, especially in sister cities such as Thailand's Yasothon and Yoshida in Japan. The activities include cultural and sports events such as takraw and Thai boxing.

He said the activities are expected to increase the number of Japanese tourists to Thailand by at least 10 per cent compared with 2006.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation