In 1960, when the Tourism Organization of Thailand (TOT) was established as an independent office within the Royal Thai Government to promote inbound travel, few thought that it would blossom into a multi-billion dollar industry and key foreign exchange earner.

Lt-General Chalermchai Charuvastr, the first Director-General of TOT, worked relentlessly to put Thailand on the world tourism map, and also attempted to convince Thai people of the potential importance of tourism to the nation.

The modern tourism industry includes a wide range of businesses with complex linkages that cut across several different economic sectors. The key business players include hotels, restaurants and catering services, travel operators and tour guides.

Today, over 14 million foreign tourists contribute more than US$ 12 billion to the Thai economy. The spectacular growth in tourism has contributed to the sustainable development of numerous communities and tourism attractions nationwide. It has spurred domestic tourism, the revival of traditional festivals and given rise to countless tourism-related activities. Promotion and development of the industry has created widespread and diverse employment opportunities, contributing to a more widespread distribution of income.

The existence of both the Tourism Authority of Thailand and a Ministry of Tourism and Sports reflects the very significant role that tourism now plays in the country’s national, economic and social development. Tourism success has also brought the Kingdom of Thailand much international recognition and worldwide fame, with the Thai tourism industry and individual tourism operators winning several international awards each and every year.