IMF-World Bank Summit Set to Spur Thai Tourism Growth
Thailand’s tourism minister said the upcoming IMF-World Bank annual meeting will attract a large international audience, giving the country a platform to promote its culture and tourist spots. He expects the event to boost service-sector spending and help the economy toward year-end, especially alongside a planned large-scale tourism promotion activity. Despite global headwinds, he anticipates tourist numbers will recover this year and grow strongly next year.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phanphienchwakhun said the IMF-World Bank annual meeting will draw worldwide participants, providing an opportunity to display Thai culture, performing arts, and tourism sites. He described the conference as one of the largest attended, noting it will benefit the nation's economy and finances while promoting Thailand to first-time guests through activities inside the venue to foster future tourism. He added that, despite global economic difficulties, war, and energy costs, he is confident tourist arrivals this year will recover to levels close to last year and will grow notably stronger next year. Furthermore, the meeting will stimulate spending in the service sector and energize the Thai economy at year-end. Coupled with the ministry's plan to organize a large-scale tourism promotion event (Big Event) later in the year, he is confident it will help bring visitor numbers closer to the set targets.
