After 2014 witnessed a drop in tourist arrivals from Russia to Thailand, the Kingdom’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is urgently looking at reversing the trend this year, the National News Bureau of Thailand reported this week.
Kobkan Watthanawarangkun, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister said the number of Russian tourists visiting the country in 2014 fell by 8 percent from 2013. The minister blamed Russia’s economic problems and the lack of direct flights.
Earlier this year, Thai Airways cancelled its flights to Moscow.
With the rouble recovering from lows in the peak tourist season, Thailand is expected to receive more Russian visitors.
Watthanawarangkun told the National News Bureau of Thailand that ministry is working toward a target of 1 million to 1.2 million Russian tourists this year.
The initiatives include agreements between Russia and Thailand to boost tourism and sister city agreements. Watthanawarangkun added that a Thai-Russian cultural centre would be set up to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.
All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
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