Thailand focus on quality tourists, not quantity, urges PM Abhisit

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the private sector to focus on “quality tourists”, though operators are calling on the government to improve the country’s stability to raise tourist confidence.

Abhisit urged all parties in the tourism business to focus on the quality of tourists, rather than aim for high numbers.

The industry is a key sector that will help drive the economy, he said, adding that it accounted for 7 per cent of gross domestic product last year.

Last year Thailand received 15.8 million international tourists, generating income of Bt585 million, he said.

“It was a record number of tourist arrivals, despite the country facing political problems and other negative factors over the past two years,” he said.

The Nation