BANGKOK, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) throws down big budgets to focus on supporting the tourism industry by introducing a bonding activity for the ASEAN neighbors: "Hug Thailand Grand Rally." This activity aims to bring back the trust in Thailand's beautiful sights, sounds, and culture. The Ministry invited hundreds of ASEAN representatives, from National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), which include tourism operators and travel agencies, to travel across oceans to hug Thailand from 13th-14th November 2010. The group travels a round trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin, visiting many wonderful Thai sights along the way.
Due to the success and popularity of the first "Hug Thailand Grand Rally 2009," it was insisted that there be a continuous campaign, which the ASEAN neighboring countries, including Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam are happy to join in embracing their arms around a variety of Thailand's tourist attractions. The campaign held a press conference on 12th November 2010 and welcomed all the participants to a night of dinner and cruising along the Chaopraya River.
At the press conference of Hug Thailand Grand Rally, Mr. Korkij Danchaivichit, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said that he hopes this activity, with the fellow ASEAN members, not only strengthen the ties, but also encourage business trade opportunities and assure the neighboring countries that Thailand has many industries worth investing in.
With the hugging campaign, the Ministry is confident that they will be able to regain the status for one of best tourism country in the world and also increase the country's tourism revenue for next year.
The rally activity begins with the ASEAN ambassadors journeying across the nation to the well-known landmarks of Thailand: Sanam Chan Palace, Nakorn Pratom; King Rama II Memorial Park, Amphawa; and Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, Hua Hin. In the activity, the participants have to compete in photographing the beautiful sceneries of the nation, and also have fun with their own creativity in composing each photograph. The Ministry is positive that this large investment will bring the returns that Thailand needs to climb back up to the top. The ASEAN countries have spread the love and hopefully also spread the words of Thailand's beauty and abundance to their own countries.
