Bangkok, 23 August, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new local tourism fair aimed at boosting domestic travel to 55 secondary tourist destinations nationwide, in line with its ‘Amazing Thailand Go Local’ campaign.
Taking place from 22 to 26 August at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the fair focuses on innovative digital tourism marketing and content creation, offering interesting stories of the 55 destinations. It is expected to help boost the value of the kingdom’s products and lead to increased revenue by growing the frequency of domestic travel as well as daily expenditure per capita.
Presided over the fair’s opening ceremony on 22 August were Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, Mrs. Suchitra Jongchansittho, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, other TAT executives, Governors of the 55 provinces, and officials, representatives and figures from the public and private sectors.
The five-day event uses the latest augmented reality (AR) technology to present immersive storytelling of attractions and recommend travel itineraries in the 55 provinces on a large multitouch screen. Visitors can also download the itineraries and the ‘Amazing 55 Secondary Destinations” e-book by scanning the QR code. They can also design their own travel ideas at the ‘create your trip, be your style’ zone.
There are five zones presenting local experiences from the 55 provinces, including local communities and local wisdoms in the forms of arts and crafts, local food and local tour packages.
In line with the TAT’s ‘Travel Thailand in Style, Reduce Plastic Waste’ initiative, participating shops and stalls at the fair are encouraged to use paper bags. Visitors can get a free cotton bag if they check-in at the event via their social media account, on top of the many lucky draws and games. There are also a range of cultural and contemporary performances.
The 55 provinces are Nakhon Si Thammarat, Udon Thani, Chiang Rai, Lop Buri, Phitsanulok, Suphan Buri, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Nong Khai, Sa Kaeo, Loei, Tak, Trat, Phetchabun, Chanthaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Phatthalung, Trang, Si Sa Ket, Prachin Buri, Satun, Chumphon, Sukhothai, Surin, Sakon Nakhon, Lamphun, Nakhon Phanom, Uttaradit, Ranong, Lampang, Roi Et, Mae Hong Son, Phichit, Phrae, Chai Nat, Nan, Ang Thong, Maha Sarakham, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Narathiwat, Yala, Phayao, Bueng Kan, Kalasin, Yasothon, Sing Buri, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen, and Pattani.