The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the HUG THAIS project, aimed at stimulating foreign and local tourist spending to reactivate the national economy.
H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, described the project as the latest public-private sector initiative to revitalize the tourism industry and economy.
The TAT, the Thai government and partners, like TCC, are part of such cooperation, which is vital for the country as it “progresses towards once again enjoying its status as a preferred tourist destination.” The launch of the HUG THAIS arrives with its pilot HUG THAIS HUG PHUKET along with Phuket’s reopening to travelers under the Sandbox model on July 1.
HUG THAIS HUG PHUKET includes offers, for both foreigners and Thais, such as discounts of up to 10% when they spend 1,000 baht or more in the retail sector.
Other initiatives are 100 baht cash vouchers that they can use on their visits to participating outlets and shops. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, stated: “The ‘HUG THAIS HUG PHUKET’ project is aimed at revitalizing Phuket’s tourism and service industry and in doing so, leading the way for the similar revitalization of other destinations around Thailand.”
The ‘HUG THAIS’ project will also be introduced in other Thai destinations.
Therefore, the TAT will provide publicity and marketing support to motivate foreign and Thai tourists to spend on local food “Eat More,” “Travel More” within Thailand and “Shop More” for local products at shops and outlets with the “HUG THAIS” label.
Authorities expect the project to provide the Thai economy with more than 100 billion baht in the next six months.
