Tourism Joint Committee Meeting Pushes “Thai Travel Plus” with Government Supporting 50% Accommodation Costs and Airfare Assistance for Primary and Secondary Cities

Surasak led the first Tourism Joint Committee meeting, uniting public and private sectors to accelerate tourism stimulus policies, promoting "Thai Travel Plus" which subsidizes 50% of accommodation costs and assists with airfare for both primary and secondary cities.

Summary of conditions for "Thai Travel Plus": What does the government subsidize?

At 10:00 AM on 15 July 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired the first meeting of the Joint Committee between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the private sector to drive the tourism industry at the Suwanwijit Conference Room, 7th floor, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Government Complex Building C, and via electronic conference system, with representatives from public and private tourism agencies attending.

Mr. Surasak said this meeting marked the first joint session between the public and private sectors under the Joint Committee of the Private Sector and Ministry of Tourism and Sports (JCPMTS). Its key goal is to closely coordinate tourism policies, focusing on immediate problem-solving and short-term tourism stimulus measures, while welcoming proposals from operators and all sectors to formulate policies that address real situations and enable rapid implementation. This committee will link its work with government policy committees to ensure aligned tourism industry progress.

Regarding the progress of government administrative restructuring approved by the Cabinet, endorsing the establishment of the Ministry of Sports and integrating tourism duties with the Ministry of Culture, it was noted that such integration will enhance efficiency in policy implementation, tourism development, and traveler facilitation systematically. Additionally, updates were given on visa facilitation measures for Indian tourists, with the Cabinet approving an extension of stay from 15 to 30 days to accommodate their travel behavior and promote growth in the quality tourist market.

On this occasion, the meeting considered tourism stimulus measures proposed by the private sector, including

the Thai Travel Plus (Co-payment) program,

• where the government supports 50% of accommodation costs, covering lodging, restaurants, tourist attractions, OTOP products, spas, car rentals, and boat rentals.
• Tourists are entitled to up to 5 uses per person, totaling 500,000 rights.
• It is expected to generate an economic impact of 32 billion baht and tax revenue of 1.6 billion baht, with a budget of only 1.7 billion baht.

Implementation period:
- September 2026 to April 2027.
Usage period:
- November 2026 to February 2027.

The Fly Thai All the Feeling project,

• supports discounts on 400,000 domestic flight seats.
• Primary cities receive 400 baht per trip; secondary cities receive 600 baht per trip.
• It is expected to stimulate travel for no fewer than 200,000 people, generating 1.6 billion baht economically with a budget of just 200 million baht.

The Thailand Air Connect project: Connecting the world to Amazing Thailand,

• supports flights from abroad including commercial and charter airlines.
• The target includes no fewer than 600 charter flights carrying at least 87,000 passengers and commercial airlines carrying no less than 400,000 passengers, totaling at least 487,000 promoted tourists.
• This aims to generate tourism revenue of at least 23 billion baht with a budget of only 500 million baht.

The meeting also gathered feedback from operators to inform the formulation of effective tourism industry advancement measures.

Following this, Mr. Surasak will present these private sector proposals to the Subcommittee on Trade, Tourism, and Community Economy Development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Sutthammanus, for consideration.

After the meeting, Mr. Surasak spoke about the country's tourism drive measures, stating the ministry is pushing tourism stimulus initiatives for both domestic and international markets to distribute income to operators and communities, reduce reliance on foreign markets alone, and strengthen Thailand’s tourism economy sustainably.

, The Ministry of Tourism plans to promote the "Thai Travel Plus" program to support Thai travelers, with the government subsidizing 50% of accommodation costs up to 3,000 baht per entitlement, and providing a 500 baht digital coupon for food, transport, or tourism services via the "Paotang" app, covering all 77 provinces to stimulate spending and generate income for tourism operators nationwide.

, Additionally, air travel support measures are planned for Thais, where travelers to primary cities will receive 400 baht airfare subsidies per trip and 600 baht per trip for secondary cities through direct booking with participating airlines. The ministry will also advance the "Thailand All Connect" project, supporting regular and charter flights to attract foreign tourists and promote income distribution to tourism destinations across Thailand.

There is also a plan to extend Indian tourists’ stay from 15 to 30 days to accommodate high-quality tourists, especially destination wedding groups and families, who have high spending potential and longer stays.

Simultaneously, safety measures for tourists will be enhanced by integrating work with tourist police and employing AI technology, smart cameras, facial recognition, and surveillance drones to improve tourist care. Promotion efforts will include engaging Thai and international influencers to create content showcasing new attractions and promoting Thailand’s soft power globally.

Mr. Surasak added that the Ministry of Tourism will expedite these measures to produce tangible results, stimulate travel, generate income for operators, distribute funds to grassroots economies, and build confidence in Thailand as a quality, safe tourist destination.