Apichai Chatchalermkit, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced new initiatives to boost domestic tourism in November and December, focusing particularly on the northern region, which is in peak travel season but recently affected by severe flooding. Key campaigns include weekday travel promotions and incentives for secondary cities. For high-spending tourists, TAT will promote luxury accommodations and immersive nature experiences, with additional events and festivals tailored to niche interests such as animal lovers, music fans, and sports enthusiasts.
In preparation for the upcoming year, TAT is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to implement stricter air pollution controls, especially concerning PM2.5 levels, as pollution in northern provinces could affect tourism. Local governments are working to reduce agricultural burning, a major PM2.5 source, by discouraging purchases of crops linked to burning practices, while also tackling pollution from natural wildfires, which tend to peak during the dry season.
Additionally, TAT aims to increase both the length and spending of stays. Thai tourists currently spend an average of 4,750 baht per trip and stay three days, while foreign visitors spend around 50,000 baht per trip. To encourage longer stays, TAT will host more festivals, concerts, and events. As recovery continues in flood-affected areas, such as the Mae Sai border in Chiang Rai, businesses are gradually reopening in anticipation of increased tourist traffic during the cooler season.