Weerasak Kowsurat, the newly appointed tourism and sports minister, has mapped out new focus areas for tourism aimed at expanding tourism and revenue into local communities.
"One of the very first jobs I will do is extend tourism from major tourist cities into local communities in order to generate income for people in villages," said Mr Weerasak, who is serving in the post for a second time.
He said the government will use tourism to power local economies because the tourism sector involves a lot of people, making it ideal for locals to benefit from tourism.
By increasing tourism income in local areas, the ministry will continue to promote secondary and third-tier destinations across the country to attract visitors in order to improve local people's quality of life.
This year, Thailand is expected to welcome 34-35 million international visitors. China will be the source of the most, with an estimated 10 million visitors, while 190 million domestic tourists are forecast.
Total revenue from international and domestic is predicted at 2.7 trillion baht or nearly 20% of country's GDP.
Mr Weerasak said he will work on the existing Tourism Clinic, established years ago, to help improve damaged attractions or build more magnets to draw visitors.
"Tourism experts will be assigned to help local people develop unique products and resolve damaged tourism places," he said. "These will be key tools for sustainable growth."
Before his reappointment as tourism and sports minister, Mr Weerasak was active in tourism and related businesses, including as chairman of the Designed Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, chairman of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, chairman of Tourism Authority of Thailand and chairman of Sports Authority of Thailand.
Gordon Aeria, general manager of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, said Mr Weerasak has been working in the tourism industry for years and his expertise will help strengthen the sector.
Mr Aeria said tourism is a global business, which means Thailand has to compete with many other countries in attracting visitors. But Thailand continues to be a popular destination for international tourists, and the country's competitiveness can be enhanced with a focus on local heritage and culture.
"I would ask the new minister to continue focusing on unique local products made in villages and food, as these are what foreigners want to see and experience," Mr Aeria said. "There are still many hidden gems in local areas that can be promoted as tourism products."
Supawan Tanomkieatipum, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said hoteliers will continue to work with the ministry to promote and reinforce tourism.
