- Photo: The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: (Bernama) Thailand has launched the Thailand Winter Festivals, a vibrant series of events running from November to December aimed at establishing the kingdom as a global event destination.
Spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the festivals are a collaborative effort involving both public and private sectors to create a memorable experience for visitors.
From November to December this year, the Thailand Winter Festivals will feature end-of-year celebrations across seven unique themes, including the Loi Krathong Festival, New Year’s Countdown Events, Sports Events, Cultural Events, Food Festivals, Music Festivals, and Lighting & Illumination Festivals.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra highlighted that the government is committed to establishing tourism as a key driver of the national economy, fostering employment, distributing income to local communities, and expanding Thailand’s tourism reach in the global market, with the goal of making Thailand a leading destination in Southeast Asia.
"The government is advancing the Ignite Thailand Tourism policy, which leverages Thailand's cultural soft power to promote festivals, activities, and events that are essential for sustainable economic growth and for enhancing Thailand’s image as a world-class event destination," she said in her opening remarks during the official launch at Government House on Tuesday (Oct 29).
Under the theme ‘7 Wonders of Thailand’, the festival series will showcase an extraordinary lineup of events across the country.
However, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasised that Thailand is progressing toward becoming a world-class event hub through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and various public and private sector stakeholders.
"This collaboration is designed to elevate traditional Thai festivals to international standards, highlighting local culture for a global audience.
"By hosting world-class events in music, sports, and cultural festivals, the initiative aims to boost both domestic and international tourism, extending stays, and increasing spending to stimulate economic growth,” he explained. - Bernama
