Pattaya Gears Up as Thailand Sets Bold Tourism Revenue Goal of 3 Trillion Baht; Entry Fee Postponed

Despite global economic uncertainty, Thailand is pushing forward with an ambitious tourism revival strategy, aiming for 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue by the 2026 fiscal year. Pattaya — one of the country’s most iconic travel destinations — is poised to take center stage in achieving that target amid shifting traveler behavior and ongoing global instability.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently convened its 2026 Action Plan Meeting on July 14, where Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool emphasized a shift in strategy: focusing on revenue over raw visitor numbers. TAT will adopt a more agile, data-driven approach, leveraging digital marketing to attract high-value travelers from around the world.

While Thailand expects to generate 2.87 trillion baht in 2025 — slightly below earlier projections due to slower recovery in major markets like China — it’s aiming for a 7% boost the following year. Pattaya, the tourism hub of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, is accelerating its comeback with investments in infrastructure, new promotional campaigns, and efforts to attract emerging tourist groups such as health seekers, digital nomads, and long-stay visitors.

The popular “We Travel Together” stimulus program was relaunched in July and saw overwhelming response — over 1.72 million people registered and more than 119,000 travel vouchers were claimed within days. Pattaya remains one of the top destinations among domestic travelers taking advantage of the subsidy.

At the policy level, the Thai government is repositioning the country as a world-class destination — not just “cheap and cheerful,” but one known for quality, safety, and sustainability. New initiatives include boosting Thai soft power through cuisine, music, and culture, as well as proposing a Clean Air Act to combat air pollution during peak tourism seasons in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

As for the long-debated tourist entry fee, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that collection will be postponed. The government will monitor traveler sentiment during the fourth quarter of 2025 before deciding on implementation, which could now begin in Q2 or Q3 of 2026.

Pattaya — once bustling before the pandemic — is now roaring back to life. This resurgence is powered not only by national policy, but also by a strong local push. From renovated beaches and reinvigorated shopping malls to revitalized seafood stalls and local hotels, the city is preparing to welcome tourists with open arms.

For Pattaya, tourism isn’t just part of the economy — it’s the city’s heartbeat. And today, that heartbeat is pulsing stronger than ever, as Thailand steps boldly into a new era of tourism-led growth.

 

Source:

pattayamail

https://www.tat.or.th/th