Thailand is home to a wide range of religious sites and historic temples. Recognising the unique appeal of these places, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to host a unique event that will showcase the kingdom as a destination for spiritual travellers.
Set to run from 30 June to 2 July at Square B, the event will take place in front of the CentralWorld shopping centre in Bangkok. Split into three main sections, it will feature a simulation zone where attendees can participate in worship and blessings along the 12 spiritual tourism routes.
The second of the three event areas will include a marketplace with shops, boutiques and restaurants that represent the various regions of Thailand. This will give visitors a chance to sample the cuisine, culture and customs of areas all over the country.
The third event section will be a stage, where an eclectic mix of performances will be held. The rundown is said to feature a number of respected local artists and well-known international names, who will entertain the crowds with their talents.
Yuthasak Supasorn is the Governor of TAT. He recently confirmed that the event will “showcase religious and cultural tourism products that reflect Thailand’s unique identity”. Along with temples and other places of worship, the TAT campaign will feature prominent cultural heritage sites, highlight traditional wisdom, and provide a forum for community-based tourism initiatives.
Faith-based travel is big business in Thailand and beyond. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, religious tourism generated 10.8 billion baht (US$ 306.5 million) for the Thai economy in 2019. Moreover, global projections suggest this sector will triple in value over the next decade, from over US$13.7 billion in 2022 to US$40.9 billion by 2033.
