Bangkok (Thailand) – December 6, 2018 (travelindex.com) – A groundbreaking project to improve the balance between domestic and international visitors between major cities and smaller towns. The Thai government has approved a series of tax breaks to encourage seminars, leisure travel, and MICE events in 55 less touristically significant provinces nationwide throughout 2018.

The measures support the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) latest "Go Local" campaign, a pioneering project to promote the emerging generation of secondary tourist destinations in the Kingdom, to better balance tourist numbers between urban and rural areas, to offset seasonal fluctuations between travel months, and to encourage midweek travel to reduce weekend pressure.

TAT will collaborate with various companies and organizations from the public and private sectors to implement and promote the project throughout the year.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the TAT, said: “When local communities grow, the country grows. As travel and tourism are now widely recognized as an important factor for the local economy, job creation and income distribution, we are now taking concrete steps to ensure that the benefits are better distributed throughout the Kingdom.”

The goal is to improve the ratio of domestic to international visitors between major cities and secondary towns from 64:36 to 60:40. The project aims to attract 10 million tourists to secondary towns and municipalities, thereby generating an estimated 10 billion baht in tourism revenue in 2018.

Tax deductions apply to domestic travel to the following provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Udon Thani, Chiang Rai, Lop Buri, Phitsanulok, Suphan Buri, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Nong Khai, Sa Kaeo, Loei, Tak, Trat, Phetchabun, Chanthaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Phatthalung, Trang, Si Sa Ket, Prachin Buri, Satun, Chumphon, Sukhothai, Surin, Sakon Nakhon, Lamphun, Nakhon Phanom, Uttaradit, Ranong, Lampang, Roi Et, Mae Hong Son, Phichit, Phrae, Chai Nat, Nan, Ang Thong, Maha Sarakham, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Narathiwat, Yala, Phayao, Bueng Kan, Kalasin, Yasothon, Sing Buri, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen and Pattani.

The details of the “Go Local” campaign are as follows:

A TAT Plus online card is being introduced specifically for use in local communities and smaller towns, in partnership with restaurants, souvenir shops, the Pracharath Sookjai Shop, petrol stations, car rental companies, etc. Cardholders receive special discounts and collect miles that can be redeemed with various domestic airlines.

Companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) are encouraged to hold their MICE events (conferences, seminars, and corporate social responsibility activities) in Thailand's 55 provinces, particularly on weekdays, in local communities and smaller towns. Partners include the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), local governments, and various chambers of commerce. A 100% corporate income tax exemption is granted for seminars, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses related to conducting employee training in these 55 provinces. This is equivalent to a 200% tax deduction on the costs of such employee training.

Cooperation with domestic tour operators and travel agencies to provide incentives, such as discounted meals when purchasing local travel packages that also include lesser-known destinations. Exemption from income tax on amounts paid to tour operators, hotel operators, or homestay providers for domestic travel to the 55 provinces, up to a maximum of 15,000 baht in total.

Promote the consumption of regional food and the purchase of local ingredients in cooperation with the Thai Restaurant Association, celebrity chefs, credit card companies, local banks, and provincial authorities. Attract food lovers with "Eat Local Week," organized by various TAT ​​offices across the country. Offer opportunities to collect points and receive benefits such as restaurant visits to Michelin-starred establishments.

In collaboration with theme parks, museums, and local provincial governments, community events are organized that reflect the unique culture and identity of the region. Special activities are offered weekly to encourage travel to different cities. These events are complemented by incentives for purchasing local handicrafts and promotional support.

Organize mobile clinics to improve the skills of the local workforce, expand their knowledge base, strengthen their competitiveness, and unlock the opportunities of the digital age. Support speakers, academics, artists, and celebrities who can develop and create locally focused products and services, and help local communities access funding.

Local communities are to be strengthened through increased cooperation between the public and private sectors, the supply chain optimized, and product quality improved. "Creative tourism" aims to enhance the brand image and attractiveness of tourist attractions and support entrepreneurs in marketing lesser-known destinations.

A “Go Local” directory will be published, providing specific information on restaurants, travel and accommodations for tax benefits.

Mr. Yuthasak said: “We want tourism and its associated activities to truly benefit the local population, providing them with a new source of income and pride. This project will allow many remote communities to showcase their unique Thai identity while looking forward to a brighter future.”

Further information on the 55 secondary destinations can be found at: GoThailand.org