"While Thailand has the potential to be a global tourism power, it faces intense competition from countries that move faster in terms of investment, technology and proactive policies," said TCT president Chai Arunanondchai at Government House after a meeting of Thailand’s chief executives from various industries on Friday (May 15). "What private operators want most is clarity and continuity of government policies."
He said tourism operators are worried about delays in project approvals by governmental agencies, uncertainty over global economics and geopolitics, and competition with destinations such as Japan, China, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. Tourist confidence, labour quality and operating expenses are other points to be improved, reports the Bangkok Post.
During its four-year term, Mr Chai said the government should make tourism a major economic mechanism using high-value tools such as soft power, wellness, sports, food, the green economy, and the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector.
The administration should also establish a national tourism data platform to plan data-driven strategies on a real-time basis, as well as a national tourism war room that collaborates with industry stakeholders, according to the TCT.
LOAN DECREE ’MUST PASS’
The government must overhaul inefficient regulations that delay business processes, such as event and festival licensing, requests for government space and filming approval, he noted. Investment regulations should be made more attractive to drive sustainable tourism and equip the labour force with skills by creating a national tourism academy.
Mr Chai said restoring a safe tourism image, particularly resolving scam issues and increasing smart surveillance across major cities, are urgent tasks. Thailand must focus on increasing tourism spending per person rather than arrival volume by providing tax benefits, direct flight subsidies, and co-marketing programmes with airlines and online travel agents, noted the TCT.
He said the government must speed up transport infrastructure construction to connect regions, as well as facilities to distribute income to locals.