The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the Happy Paradise campaign to showcase tourism products and services and to provide tourists with impressions and new experiences through the Phuket Sandbox program, while supporting local communities and culture.

Present tourists at Phuket Sandbox with a Happy Paradise welcome package and a Happy Paradise souvenir.

The pilot provinces' reopening program for the return of international visitors began on July 1, 2021, with the Phuket Sandbox program. By July 31, 2021, approximately 14,000 tourists had participated in the Phuket Sandbox program, generating revenue of over 829 million baht. To create positive experiences for tourists and support local communities, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the "Happy Paradise" campaign. The campaign aims to welcome tourists, create positive experiences, and boost confidence in traveling to Thailand, as well as increase the income of local communities and tourism businesses in the south along the closed routes – Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan.

The Happy Paradise campaign showcases tourism products and services, with a particular focus on businesses awarded the SHA+ seal for safety and health. This is underscored by various Happy Paradise initiatives. One such initiative is the distribution of 1,000 Happy Paradise welcome packages to international visitors arriving in Phuket between August 12th and 14th, 2021. The welcome package includes the special 2021 edition of the Tourism Ambassador guide and an information booklet. Tourists displaying the badge receive a special discount at participating businesses along designated routes.

In addition, all tourists staying at SHA+ Hotels receive Happy Paradise souvenirs, a unique local product from the southern communities:

1. Keyring with Manorah beads from Phatthalung, 2. Mobile phone case made of Pandanus from Krabi, 3. Batik notebook from Phuket, 4. Mobile phone/photo holder made of rubber tree from Trang, 5. Batik trousers from Phuket, 6. Batik mat from Krabi, 7. Batik face mask with beaded bands from Phuket, and 8. Batik face mask with Manorah beaded bands from Phatthalung.

The Happy Paradise promotion also included performances showcasing the local culture of southern Thailand through the Manorah and Ron Rae dances. These performances took place at select hotels from August 18th to 23rd, 2021. In addition, the Happy Paradise campaign offered an online promotion for tourists. Check in at attractions in Phuket, take a photo of the Happy Paradise souvenir, and post the picture on social media with the hashtag #ThailandHappyParadise for a chance to win prizes.

The TAT is confident that the Happy Paradise campaign will be another factor helping to support and revive Thailand's tourism industry, and that it will generate revenue by focusing on safe tourism and strengthening local communities.

News and further details about the campaign can be found at: tourismthailand.org/happyparadise