The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to boost lowseason tourism by bringing international sports events into Thailand as well as hosting hundreds of local recreational activities.
Minister Chumpol Silpaarcha said the minŽistry would go overseas to negotiate with sports organisations in the region and outer regions to host their events in Thailand over next few months.
He added the ministry would also adjust the schedules of local recreation activities planned a year ahead so they would take place during the low season. The Cabinet recently approved more than 500 domestic sports activities for the 2011 fiscal year.
Moreover, the ministry will work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the priŽvate sector to create packages specifically to boost tourism in the low season.
In August alone, the authorities plan to launch six different packages to promote tourism in six segments - family, sport, youth, the elderly, the disabled, and pet trips.
TAT says at its Mumbai office it is working with Indian wedding organiser, Red Events India, arranging for over 400 Indian couples to get married in Thailand during the current green season.
The first group of weddings took place at the JW Marriott Phuket during June 21 25, while the second group will be celebrated at the ShangriLa Hotel in Bangkok during July 15 - 20. The weddings are expected to generate more than Bt1 billion to the local economy.
Many Indian couples choose Thailand because they wish to tie the knot in a land renowned for its sense of grace and style, following customs and ceremonies with rich roots in Buddhist culture. The secluded, allinclusive resorts are perfect for honeymoons.
Indian wedding planners either independent or affiliated with tourist hotels and resorts are promoting Thailand as a wedding destination. Operators are offering customers with traditionŽal Thai or other cultural wedding costumes and ceremonies, contemporary and custom designed events.
"Weddings and honeymoon trips are part of the TAT's global marketing campaign which should help revive tourism," said Chumpol.