Bangkok, 24 April 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently signed a “Trade and Tourism Alliance” memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six departments of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) to integrate development strategies and marketing promotions while establishing links between trade and tourism.
The move also endeavours to support and facilitate services on trade and investment information plus activities deemed beneficial for the expansion of international trade as well as tourism promotion and development. The six MOC departments participating included the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Department of Foreign Trade, Department of Internal Trade, Department of Intellectual Property, Department of Business Development, and Department of International Trade Promotion.
Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat said, the MOU reflects the important role that tourism continues to play in Thailand’s economic development.
“Tourism is a primary driver for Thailand’s economy and economic development. It contributed over 3 trillion Baht (US$ 94 billion) to Thailand’s economy in 2018, with 2 trillion Baht coming from international visitors and 1 trillion Baht from domestic tourism, representing 19% of Thailand’s overall GDP.
“The Thai government is now placing more focus on sustainable tourism development and income distribution to local communities, and this much-welcomed ‘Trade and Tourism Alliance’ MOU will leverage the strength of each partner to maximise the potential for national benefit,” Mr. Weerasak said.
Deputy Minister of Commerce, Miss Chutima Bunyapraphasara agreed, “The role of the Ministry of Commerce is to develop Thailand’s economy and the ‘Trade and Tourism Alliance’ MOU will allow us to leverage the strength of each participating government agency to maximise the potential benefits derived from trade and tourism development for the greater good of Thailand and its people.
“All participating agencies from the Ministry of Commerce are ready to integrate cooperation with TAT, bringing at least seven government marketing muscles to the forefront, to provide support for Thai businesses in various fields related to trade and tourism.”
Under the MOU, all parties will cooperate on providing support for the health and wellness, and gems and jewellery sectors through various online and offline activities.
It will also cooperate to organise and coordinate marketing activities for agricultural and food products (both community and seasonally-based), Geographical Indication (GI) products plus all relevant products and services concerning tourism on all fronts through activities; such as, fruit fairs or border trade fairs that are of equal interest to both Thai and foreign visitors.
In addition, all parties will work to coordinate information exchanges via the set-up of a knowledge centre that will cooperate on organising events and help encourage Thai businesses to become more knowledgeable on international trade and investment opportunities overseas, plus promote tourism-related trade and investment through training courses and seminars that both partners will help to organise.
TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said TAT would leverage the strength of all partners to strengthen its various annual tourism events and marketing activities. The TAT Intelligence Centre and TAT Academy will work with the six MOC departments on information exchange and knowledge sharing.
“TAT, in partnership with the MOC, is pleased to bring this ‘Trade and Tourism Alliance’ MOU to fruition. It will help us target different demographics on a variety of fronts and strengthen Thailand’s tourism sector for many years to come,” Mr. Yuthasak concluded.
