Ways sought to lure big-spending Muslim tourists

PHUKET: The Department of Tourism (DoT) plans to promote Thailand as a friendly destination for Muslim tourists.

The DoT and the private sector held a focus group discussion on Islamic tourism on Wednesday in Phuket, targeting high-end visitors from the Middle East. It was the fourth discussion with the private sector in the hospitality industry after the first three forums were held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chon Buri last month.

According to Athuek Phrasenmoon, director of the DoT’s Tourist Attractions Development Division, Muslim tourists are now a main target group for the global tourism industry due to this being the fastest-growing market with high spending power.

Mr Athuek said Thailand saw 11.8 million international arrivals last year, more than 400,000 of whom came from the Middle East, up 65% compared to the same period in 2019. The total spending of…