Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches “Hug Thais”

Thai Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Authority of Thailand just signed a Memorandum of Understanding to start the ‘HUG THAIS’ campaign, which aims to boost residents’ and international tourists’ spending to revitalize the economy.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the ‘HUG THAIS’ project is the newest public-private partnership between the government, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and organizations such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce to revitalize Thailand’s tourist industry and the broader economy. This collaboration is essential as Thailand works to regain its former position as a favored tourism destination.

The ‘HUG THAIS’ campaign will commence with the pilot’ HUG THAIS HUG PHUKET’ program in July 2021 to connect with Phuket’s reopening to tourists under the ‘Sandbox’ approach on July 1. This will allow the island to accept inoculated foreign visitors without quarantine and will be followed by the opening of other provinces in the following months.

‘HUG THAIS HUG PHUKET’ program is available to locals and foreign visitors. There will be special offers of up to 10% on retail purchases of 1,000 Baht or more and 100 Baht cash vouchers redeemable at participating stores and outlets on future purchases.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT, stated, “The ‘HUG THAIS HUG PHUKET’ campaign aims to revive Phuket’s service and tourism sector, paving the way for the similar revival in other locations across Thailand.”

TAT will offer marketing and PR assistance to encourage Thai and international visitors to ‘Eat More’ local cuisine, ‘Travel More’ in Thailand, and ‘Shop More’ for Thai goods at stores and outlets with the ‘HUG THAIS’ logo.

Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the TCC, said, “The ‘HUG THAIS’ campaign is consistent with the ‘Connect the Dots’ policy to reviving the economy. TCC invites restaurants, transit operators, retail centers, airlines, hotels, and all other tourist stakeholders to participate in the campaign while also offering assistance with marketing and trade initiatives, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Within the following six months, the ‘HUG THAIS’ campaign is projected to contribute an estimated 100 billion Baht to the economy.

Source: TAT News