Tourism Authority of Thailand and Japan’s Union of Kansai Governments sign letter of intent for two-way tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thaland (TAT) and Japan’s Union of Kansai Governments (UKG) formally signed a letter of intent (LOI) in the name of two-way tourism between the nations.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool signed on behalf of the agency, while Japan was represented by the UKG’s vice-president for tourism and sports and vice-governor of Kyoto Prefecture.

This is the beginning of a tangible demonstration of cooperation in the form of two-way tourism and demonstrates the close relationship between Thailand and Japan’s Kansai region, which has always been a popular destination for Thai tourists.

Learning more to do more

During the signing ceremony, Kiatphaibool expressed hopes about studying and learning more about the exchange of tourism between the two nations,with particular focus on promoting and developing exchanges in sports tourism, educational trips, and cultural exchanges among the youth.

Another key aspect for cooperation involves promoting flights between the Kansai region and Thailand, both scheduled flights and charter flights from Kansai, Kobe, Tokushima, and Tottori airports. These flights stand to benefit both parties in order to promote sustainable tourism, stimulate the economy, and create good relations between Thailand and the Kansai region of Japan.

An active sharing of information

TAT assured the UKG of its commitment to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences in tourism promotion, especially in terms of cooperation in developing strategies to distribute tourists to other tourist destinations in addition to popular destinations. 

Likewise, in order to help reduce the issue of overtourism and to promote sustainable tourism, both parties seek to encourage tourists to respect local culture, take care of the environment, and realise the importance of responsible tourism in both nations.

Gary Marshall, CEO of Travel Daily Media, caught up with Khun Thapanee Kiatphaibool over the weekend in Kyoto, Japan.