Tourist arrivals will reach only 14 million this year: TAT

"That number can be realised if all of the funds needed are injected into the industry, including those for marketing by private operators," said chairman Weerasak Kowsurat.

This is the first time the authorities and operators have agreed on an arrival number. Earlier the TAT projected the number of international tourists at 14.8 million, while the Association of Thai Travel Agents estimated less than 12 million and the Tourism Council of Thailand 12 million.

Projected revenue from inbound tourism this year has been lowered from Bt530 billion to Bt500 billion.

With tourist numbers plunging due to the worsening global economy and the Bangkok airport closures late last year, the Tourism and Sports Ministry originally asked for Bt15 billion from the government but reluctantly reduced the amount to Bt5 billion. However, so far only Bt450 million has been approved, and that has been earmarked for promoting domestic tourism.

Weerasak said all of Thailand's neighbours had cut their arrival targets, including Malaysia, which expects a 9.3-per-cent drop this year, in line with the World Tourism Organisation's estimate that the number of international tourists will grow only 1.6 per cent.

Next Tuesday the Cabinet is expected to approve a plan to offer one-day trips for transit passengers, who would enter the country through special immigration lanes. That would generate additional tourism revenue.

The TAT and the private sector have also outlined cooperation and urgent measures for this year and next.

Weerasak said three main markets would be approached: India, China and Japan. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will make an official visit to Japan between next Thursday and Saturday. While there, he will try to persuade Japanese tourists to return to the Kingdom.

Moreover, tourism promotions will be targeted at mature markets like Oceania and the Middle East.

Weerasak said one of the urgent measures being prepared was visa-fee waivers for tourists. The ministry is expected to adopt the measure in time for China's May Day holiday and Japan's Golden Week.

"The starting date for visa-fee waivers should be announced in February, so that partners abroad can set up travel packages for Thailand prior to the Songkran festival," he said.

Last year, Thailand welcomed 14.2 million tourists, down 1.5 per cent from 2007. They generated Bt532 billion worth of revenue, down 2.8 per cent.

The TAT will hold its annual Amazing Thailand Grand Sales from June to August. This year's budget for the event is Bt50 million, up from Bt10 million last year.