Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, along with officials, recently visited a business district in Chiang Mai to assess the ongoing clean-up operations following the devastating floods that have impacted the region. The Minister unveiled a proposed co-payment tourism promotion scheme aimed at boosting tourism in flood-hit northern Thailand, with hopes of aiding in the recovery and revitalization efforts.
The scheme, tentatively named “Travelling North Half-Half,” is set to offer subsidies of up to 400 baht per trip to 10,000 individuals who choose to visit the North later this year. This initiative, put forth by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is seen as a crucial step in jumpstarting the economy of flood-affected areas, particularly in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Minister Sorawong expressed optimism that if successful, the scheme could potentially be expanded to include other regions in need of economic support.
Drawing parallels to the previously introduced “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” initiative, which provided discounts on accommodation, airfares, and dining to spur domestic travel following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister highlighted the importance of incentivizing travel to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth. The economic toll of the floods has been significant, with Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination, suffering from lost business opportunities and revenue.
In response to the challenges faced by tourism entrepreneurs in the region, Minister Sorawong engaged in discussions with local business owners during his visit, where he listened to their concerns and suggestions. Requests for soft loans, reductions in utility bills, and tax deductions were among the proposals put forth by the sector to aid in their recovery efforts. The Minister assured that these recommendations would be brought to the attention of the cabinet for consideration in devising relief measures tailored to meet the needs of the affected businesses.
Looking ahead, the government plans to convene a mobile cabinet meeting in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to address the pressing issues, spur economic activity, and uplift the spirits of residents grappling with the aftermath of the floods. By bringing attention to the challenges faced by the region and implementing targeted support measures, Minister Sorawong aims to pave the way for a robust recovery and revitalization of the tourism sector in northern Thailand.