The Tourism Authority of Thailand yesterday launched a campaign to encourage locals to visit the Central region in the low season.
"The soaring oil price is raising the cost of transportation so people should travel to nearer destinations instead of remote provinces," said Wansadet Thavornsuk, TAT's deputy governor for domestic marketing.
Altogether 38 routes in 22 provinces throughout the Central region including Bangkok were introduced to local people to lure them into the region.
Packages ranging from day trips to three days/two nights - priced Bt800-2,000 per person, much lower than general rates - are expected to increase travel movements by 10-15 per cent during this low season.
Ayutthaya, Hua Hin and the Ampawa Floating Market are becoming more popular for locals as places located near the capital. Many people could reach them easily.
"Some major markets like Japan have been drooping due to many problems. However, this offering is expected to attract more locals into the provinces," he said.
Weerasak Kowsurat, chairman of TAT, said the promotion would help operators gain more tourists during this low season.
The campaign is part of the national tourism strategy to boost the domestic market during these trying times. TAT is keeping its domestic tourism target at 87 million trips this year despite the political uncertainty. TAT would continue the promotion in other regions in order to encourage domestic tourism.
Meanwhile, the recruiting committee for the new governor of TAT said it would open for applications next week.
Kongkit Hiranyakij, chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand and also a committee member, said the committee is now laying down qualifications for whoever applies to become the next TAT governor to ensure they are compatible with the change in rules and regulations, following state enterprise policy.
"The new criteria for the new TAT governor's qualifications are expected to be ready next week," he said.
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