MPs question ambitious numbers from TAT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's revised projection of revenue from tourists, which targets a 75% increase by 2008, has raised eyebrows in the House Standinbusrevg Committee on Tourism.

The TAT has set a goal to increase revenue by 2008 to 700 billion baht from 20 million foreign arrivals, from 400 billion baht from 12 million arrivals last year.

Sanga Thanasngangwong, the committee's chairman, said the target meant revenue needed to grow by 20% annually, compared with the average of 12-13%.

Without proper co-operation among local agencies, it would be hard for the TAT to meet the target, Mr Sanga said.
Bangkok Post 27 May 2005 www.bangkokpost.com