TAT and Visa Sign MOU to Elevate Tourism with Financial Innovation

Today, on October 29, 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), represented by Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Visa, a global leader in digital payment services. The MOU, titled “Reshaping Thailand’s Tourism with Innovation and Advanced Data Analytics,” aims to promote international tourism for the "Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025." Mr. Punnamas Wijitkulwongsa, Visa Country Manager for Thailand, joined the signing ceremony, held at the TAT Headquarters in Bangkok, marking a partnership to enhance tourism with financial innovation, creating a seamless experience for travelers.

Miss Thapanee Kiatphaibool Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Ms. Thapanee highlighted that this cooperation aligns with TAT’s 360-degree Partnership model to integrate stakeholders in promoting tourism. Through this MOU, TAT aims to leverage Visa’s data analytics to develop tourism campaigns and expand digital payment points, thus enabling a seamless experience for tourists. This partnership is expected to boost tourism spending, especially from 23 key international markets that contribute over 80% of Thailand’s international tourism revenue.

Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, Visa Country Manager for Thailand

Mr. Punnamas shared Visa’s enthusiasm in strengthening ties with TAT, bringing global expertise in payment solutions and data analytics to enhance the international tourism experience with secure, cashless transactions. This collaboration is seen as a means to support local businesses and drive sustainable economic growth in Thailand’s tourism sector.

The partnership’s focus will center on four main areas:

1.Strategic Marketing Programs: Through the "5 Must Do in Thailand" initiative, which includes Must Taste (local cuisine), Must Try (exciting sports), Must Buy (crafts and souvenirs), Must Seek (unseen attractions), and Must See (cultural heritage), inviting tourists to create memorable experiences in Thailand.

2.Visa Service Expansion and STAR Program: Expanding Visa payment facilities in major tourist provinces, delivering a fast, secure payment experience while supporting local businesses, tourism communities, and TAT’s STAR initiative.

3.Joint Promotions and Campaigns: Targeted marketing campaigns to attract international tourists to visit Thailand.

4.Data Analytics and Consultation: Utilizing Visa’s expertise in analyzing tourist spending behavior to shape campaigns such as the "Amazing Thailand Grand Sale" and other seasonal sales promotions, contributing to marketing strategies and enhancing year-round tourist engagement.

This MOU extends TAT’s collaboration with Visa, which has been in place for over 20 years, strengthening Thailand’s position as a global tourism destination through financial innovation to create seamless connectivity and drive the country's economic growth.