The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new strategic plan to drive up visitors numbers in an era of unprecedented change in the global operating environment.

According to TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni: “Responding to constant and incessant change has become our biggest challenge.”

He went on to explain the body had set a 2012 target of 19.5 million international tourist arrivals, generating approximate revenue of 760 billion Baht (US$24.85 billion USD).

This represents a nine per cent increase on the target for 2011.

TAT will continue to utilise the “Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You” theme into 2012.

Suraphon added: “In spite of all the changes taking place globally, the TAT still has many opportunities to increase visitor arrivals.

“We can see many positive factors; such as, continuing economic growth in many countries particularly in this region, the positive effect of people who do not cancel their travel plans but merely change their destinations in the event of unpredictable natural phenomena, and the progressive liberalisation of economic growth and transportation in the ASEAN region.”

WSDE Sports Destination Expo

However, visitors to Thailand also have a great deal to look forward to in 2011, with WSDE Sports Destination Expo set to take place in September.

WSDE is the only global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the booming sports tourism market - the most rapidly growing sector in travel and tourism.

Now in its 2nd year, WSDE will take place in Bangkok, Thailand - Asia’s Sport Tourism Gateway - from September 27th - 29th 2011.

WSDE provides the optimum, cost effective platform for exhibitors to meet and carry out face-to-face business with the top international buyers with direct purchasing power.

Take a look at the website for more information.