As the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the entire Thai tourism industry rolled out a range of promotions, strategies, activities and projects to help revive visitor arrivals, the UN World Travel Organization (UNWTO) and Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) announced their support for the Thai travel industry.

Both UNWTO and PATA said that growth in tourism to Thailand is important for the economies of the entire Southeast Asia region.

“Bangkok, in particular, is a vital regional hub for tourism,” said PATA CEO Gregory Duffell.

“Any fluctuation in arrivals is felt throughout Southeast Asia, showing the importance of Thai tourism as an economic and employment catalyst for the entire sub-region. Together with our local PATA Thailand chapter members, PATA is assisting Thai authorities in the recovery process, and we are confident that a safe and stable Thailand will reinvigorate this truly unique and 'amazing' tourism destination.”

Other than moral support, the two organizations did not announce any concrete steps to promote tourism to Thailand, or to aid the Thai travel industry,” he said.

TAT, however, has instituted several programs to help the industry spring back, and TAT Governor Suraphon Svetsreni said this week that Thailand's tourism sector has begun to recover with the number of foreign tourists set to increase to 15.5 million next year, earning the country around $18.51 billion in 2011.

The Thai government has extended a range of measures to promote tourism, including a waiver of tourist visa fees until March 31, 2011. Other measures include low rate loans for small and mid-size travel businesses, tax deductions, training courses for travel industry employees, reduced airport fees, and measures to boost domestic tourism.

TAT is also increasing promotions from the short-haul markets, such as ASEAN, South Asia and East Asia countries.

See related article: Travel Seller Dick Slaker shares a firsthand report on his recent visit to Thailand.