BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is developing a visitor economic framework to increase economic value from travel while ensuring that tourism income reaches local businesses and communities sustainably. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chairman of the Advisory Board to Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Chairman of the Working Group on Creative Economy and Visitor Economy, chaired the working group’s fifth meeting at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The framework looks beyond measuring tourism performance by arrival numbers alone, but better understands different types of visitors, including overnight tourists, same-day visitors, and travelers with multiple purposes, enabling relevant agencies to develop products, services, and experiences that better meet their behaviors and needs.
TAT will strengthen its role in tourism intelligence by connecting data and visitor journeys—from transportation and activities to experiences and spending—to better match visitor demand with local supply and enhance the visitors’ experience. The initiative will also promote products based on the unique identity and potential of local destinations, with communities and local businesses playing a greater role. It will link tourism with 15 creative-economy segments to create new opportunities.
The working group also discussed the development of the transit excursion program for connecting passengers, offering experiences such as wellness and spa services, traditional Thai massage, golf, food, and lifestyle activities—turning airport waiting time into meaningful experiences and greater economic value. (PRD)
