The Tourism and Sports Ministry says the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) initiative could help boost tourism and small business in a greater area along the Eastern Seaboard.
Weerasak: Aiming to boost communities
"The eastern region now has high potential to become a tourism hub, thanks to megaprojects," said Tourism and Sports minister Weerasak Kowsurat. "Tourists travelling in the region will have more choices of transport."
The EEC spans parts of three provinces: Chon Buri, Rayong and Chacheongsao. The East is the smallest in terms of area when compared with other regions, but the scale of its economy and production base is the largest except for Bangkok and the surrounding provinces.
The government has completed some megaprojects in the East, such as expansion of U-tapao airport and upgrades to Laem Chabang seaport. The high-speed railway project to link three major airports -- U-tapao, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang -- is ongoing.
The government is focused on boosting high-tech industry on the eastern coast, but tourism and local businesses should also be included to benefit broader communities, Mr Weerasak said.
Besides economic growth, tourism in EEC areas is expected to extend from traditional leisure forms to other purposes such as business trips, medical and wellness, adventure, sports and cross-border tourism.
The hope is that local residents will benefit from EEC activity.
"The Tourism Ministry is using tourism to reduce social inequality," Mr Weerasak said. "I think we don't need to have more tourists or push them spend more money, but should encourage them to spend money in local areas in order to spread income to local communities."
Nonetheless, visa-on-arrival fee waivers, re-entry visas and unlimited trips for citizens without visa requirements are expected to attract more foreigners to the country from Dec 1 to Jan 31.
According to Mr Weerasak, once the new train line from Bangkok to Pattaya is completed, it will boost domestic business in many areas beyond Pattaya City. Meanwhile, U-tapao airport will help bring many foreign tourists to the region.
Once tourists are here, local entrepreneurs can sell products to them directly.
"They can receive orders online and deliver products to tourists at the nearest train station," Mr Weerasak said. "The influx of tourists will also help boost small accommodation."
The government currently allows local people to turn their houses into sharing accommodation with a limitation of four rooms and a maximum of 21 guests.
Mr Weerasak said today's tourist behaviour and demographics have changed. There are more female tourists, and they have more power over spending.
Groups of families are also increasing, due to more low-cost airlines and budget accommodation, he said.
