Tourexpi
The
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and visa, a global leader in digital
payments, have announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) titled
“Reshaping Thailand’s Tourism with Innovation and Advanced Data Analytics,”,
aimed at enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination for international
tourists during the Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025.
Building
on a longstanding 20-year partnership, this latest collaboration seeks to
elevate the tourism experience by leveraging financial innovation, creating a
seamless travel experience for visitors while fostering sustainable growth for
local businesses.
TAT
Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said “TAT is committed to advancing
our tourism marketing efforts through a 360-degree partnership approach,
integrating all sectors both domestically and internationally. This MOU with
Visa represents a collaborative effort to enhance tourism through financial
innovation, enabling visitors to travel and manage their financial transactions
seamlessly.”
By
utilising Visa’s data analytics, TAT aims to develop targeted tourism campaigns
and significantly expand digital payment acceptance points, ensuring that
tourists enjoy greater convenience in their spending. TAT is confident that
this collaboration with Visa will play a crucial role in boosting tourism
capacity and increasing spending among international visitors, particularly
from 23 key markets, which account for over 80 percent of total foreign
arrivals and revenue.
Country
Manager for Visa Thailand, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, said “We are excited
to deepen our valued partnership with TAT, leveraging our global expertise in
payments innovation and data analytics. As global travel surges,
international visitors increasingly demand a seamless, cashless payment
experience akin to those in their home countries. This collaboration not
only bolsters local businesses but also unlocks new opportunities for tourism
stakeholders and drives sustainable economic growth for Thailand.
Key
areas of focus for the TAT-Visa partnership
The
MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on four main initiatives:
·
Strategic Marketing Programs: TAT
and Visa will collaborate on implementing the “Five Musts” programme, which
includes Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. This
programme will showcase Thailand’s top restaurants, attractions, and unique
experiences to enhance tourist engagement and satisfaction.
·
Visa Expansion and STAR Project: The
partnership aims to expand Visa’s acceptance in key provinces to improve the
tourism infrastructure. This initiative will offer tourists a convenient and
secure payment experience, fostering local business support and community
development.
·
Collaborative Communication and
Campaigns: TAT and Visa will join forces to boost awareness and attract
global tourists through co-promoted campaigns.
·
Data Analytics and Consulting: Visa’s
data analytics capabilities will play a crucial role in shaping tourism
campaigns such as the Winter Sale, Summer Sale, and Thailand Grand Sale. By
analysing spending patterns, both organizations aim to refine marketing
strategies and drive tourist engagement throughout the year.
This
TAT-Visa partnership underscores shared commitment between both partners to
redefining Thailand’s tourism landscape through innovation, enhancing the
kingdom’s position as a world-class travel destination.
Image
Credit: © TAT
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