36th Thailand Tourism Festival marked a great beginning for Thai tourism in 2016

Bangkok, 19 January, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the 36^th Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF 2016) was held successfully, generating 309,791,423 Baht for the Thai economy and attracting 671,411 visitors to experience a glimpse into the harmonious mix of Thai cultures and quintessential Thai ways of life. The event was held during 13-17 January, 2016, at Lumphini Park, Bangkok.

Dr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT said, “The revenue generated during the TTF 2016 represents a 35.2 per cent increase over the 2015 event, and exceeds TAT’s original expectation of a 25 per cent growth. This signals a great direction for Thailand’s tourism industry that this travel fair plays a pivotal role in raising more awareness in domestic tourism. We hope that it will stimulate more domestic travel and disperse greater tourism revenue to all parts of Thai society in 2016.”

The number of visitors to the TTF 2016 rose by 9.5 per cent when compared to the 2015 event. During the TTF, visitors spent the most on food and beverage, accounting for 186,908,289 Baht, followed by spending on handicrafts and local products, amounting to 79,758,940 Baht. The travel expenditure was recorded at 43,124,195 Baht.

The five-day event held daily during 12.00 – 22.00 Hrs. saw a large number of visitors throughout the opening period with the most popular visiting time being between 17.00 – 19.00 Hrs. The most visited area was the cultural village zone, which featured tourism products from the five regions of Thailand including distinctive landmarks, unique cultures and local ways of life, and indigenous food and crafts. The main stage entertainment also saw a large number of spectators every day.

Based on the interests of the TTF 2016’s participants, as well as questionnaires, destinations with high potential to attract more domestic tourists this year have included Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Krabi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi, Loei, Surat Thani, Chon Buri, and Phuket, respectively.

Dr. Yuthasak said, “TAT expects that all the highlights at the TTF 2016 will form part of the inspirations for Thai tourists as well as foreign residents and travellers to want to embark on a journey to explore every region of Thailand, and inevitably help disperse more income to local communities nationwide. We also hope to engage local communities to take part in the conservation and preservation of our natural environment and national heritage.”

Related news on TTF 2016:

• TAT spotlights the essence of Thainess with Thailand Tourism Festival 2016
• Thailand Tourism Festival 2016 to highlight unique cultures and vibrant local fairs from across the country
• 36th Thailand Tourism Festival begins with great fanfare