Thailand has officially announced 2025 as the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year,” aiming to rejuvenate its tourism sector. During the Amazing Thailand press conference at the recent World Travel Market 2024, the country’s tourism minister revealed this initiative.
“Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year” aims to showcase Thailand’s rich culture and invite visitors with special privileges.
With this ambition, Thailand intends to strengthen its position as a premier leisure and sports tourism destination. Moreover, the theme is an open invitation to travelers to create memorable travel experiences.
“This campaign isn’t just a celebration; it’s an invitation for all to create unforgettable travel stories in Thailand,” noted Minister of Tourism Sorawong Thienthong.
The primary goal of this initiative is to boost tourism numbers and enhance the country’s global image. By focusing on cultural heritage and sporting events, Thailand hopes to attract millions of international visitors. Some notable events include the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025, MotoGP races, and the Songkrang Festival in April.
Thailand’s targeted investments
To support the campaign’s goals and cement its position as a premier tourist destination, Thailand has made several strategic investments. For instance, the Thai government has made strides in enhancing tourism infrastructure. It has streamlined visa application processes and has been pushing the ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ (6COD) policy.
The policy proposes the unified promotion of Southeast Asian nations Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China’s Yunnan province. With it, travelers can explore multiple countries in one trip.
Another milestone is British Airways resuming its flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok. The inaugural flight landed in Thailand on October 30, 2024. Thai authorities welcomed the resumption of direct flights, further boosting the country’s tourism sector. The carrier will make three weekly flights until March 30, 2025, with plans to extend the service until April.
These initiatives back Thailand’s tourism target of GBP 75.55 billion (THB 3.4 trillion).
“The tourism industry is vital to Thailand’s economy, reflecting not only in economic gains but also in the communities uplifted and the millions of lives touched across the country,” said Sorawong.
One-of-a-kind experiences in Thailand
Apart from its popular destinations, Thailand is ramping efforts to promote hidden gems Nan, Phrae, and Sakon Nakhon. Nan, a province in Northern Thailand, is home to iconic temples, national parks, art galleries, and distinctive coffee.
Phrae, meanwhile, is one of Thailand’s oldest cities. It is famous for its temples, Thai architecture and craftsmanship, forest park, and lively night market. Sakon Nakhon, on the other hand, offers a spiritual and natural retreat, with the region’s largest lake and indigo-dye villages.
The focus on lesser-known destinations will spread tourism benefits beyond the usual hotspots. Furthermore, it will help uplift rural communities and support sustainable development throughout the country.
Moreover, the Thai government urges visitors to practice the “Five Must Do” experiences. These are: Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. It creatively entices travelers to explore, experience, and savor the best of Thailand’s art scene, culture, and cuisine.
Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
