The Tourism Authority of Thailand yesterday set its 2011 targets for international arrivals - 15.5 million adding Bt600 billion to the economy - and domestic trips - 91 million generating Bt432 billion in revenue.
This year, TAT believes it can reach its goals of 14.5 million arrivals and 90 million domestic movements.
As part of its marketing plan for next year, the authority has prepared a new campaign tagged "Amazing Thailand: Always Amaze You" to restore tourism in the wake of the political crisis.
TAT plans to communicate with foreign partners through online channels and conduct events and celebrity marketing activities.
Suraphon Svetasreni, governor of TAT, said yesterday the agency would invite key media and travel agents to familiarise themselves with tourism products and services in Bangkok as well as unaffected areas around the country.
It will approach niche markets particularly golf, wedding, beauty, diving and green tourism.
One of the events is to urge 50,000 members of the Thailand Fan Club based in Europe to send tourists over here.
Sunsern Ngaorangsi, deputy governor for Asia markets, said TAT plans to launch a designated package in five countries - China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong - to lure more tourists.
SPECIAL INTEREST
The package is aimed at three special interest markets - golfing, shopping and green tourism.
Pramoth Supyen, director of TAT for Dubai and the Middle East, said Thailand would be promoted as a medical destination to 13 countries in the region.
The agency will lead Thai wellness, hospital and spa operators to meet with players in the Middle East in October to seek out business opportunities.
In turn, operators from the Middle East will come to Bangkok to talk about new cooperation with Thai counterparts.
The agency will also focus on the youth market by promoting eight educational provinces such as Nakhon Nayok, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Saraburi to schools in the Middle East.
Visanu Jaroenslip, director of TAT for Moscow and the Commonwealth Independent States, said the agency would work with airlines to increase frequencies to Bangkok and Phuket.
Many tourists from Russia preferred to visit beaches and islands, mostly Pattaya. However, they are encouraged to try other sea, sand and surf destinations like Phuket and Samui.
For the domestic market, TAT will work with operators to create more packages to draw locals into travelling within the country.
More tourism consumer fairs are on the drawing board along with cross regional travelling campaigns.
Marketing initiatives and activities are also being prepared to stimulate niches such as senior tourists, young travellers, females and expatriates.