Ayutthaya will be transformed into a high-value and sustainable tourism destination focused on specialised visitor markets, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Speaking at a recent public hearing on tourism development in the central province, Mr Surasak said Ayutthaya’s strengths as a Unesco World Heritage city would be tapped to promote “smart tourism” while preserving its historical and cultural identity.
The meeting brought together government agencies, tourism operators, local business groups and cultural organisations to discuss strategies for upgrading tourism products and services to meet international sustainability standards.
Mr Surasak said the ministry aimed to shift tourism development from a product-centric approach to a demand-driven model designed to better meet the expectations of global travellers.
The strategy includes promoting niche tourism segments such as faith-based tourism, commonly known in Thailand as “Sai Mu” or spiritual tourism, as well as health and wellness tourism.
The ministry also plans to improve infrastructure linking key tourist attractions through integrated road, rail and water transport networks.
Community-based tourism will also be expanded to help distribute tourism income to local communities while supporting the conservation of cultural heritage sites and environmental sustainability, he said.
