Thailand takes advantage of filming site to drive sustainable tourism
The TAT has been actively supporting the film industry with three key strategies including providing supports to foreign film crews at both local and national levels, ensuring smooth and efficient operations; offering financial incentives, and launching the “Location Thailand” campaign.
Bangkok (VNA)꧙ – Thailand is increasingly chosen as a filming site for international blockbusters, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to harness this momentum to promote film location tourism across the country.
According to the Thailand Film Office under the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand hosted 322 foreign film productions between January and July 2025, generating more than 3.33 billion THB (102.68 million USD) in revenue, The Nation reported.
The TAT has been actively supporting the film industry with three key strategies including providing supports to foreign film crews at both local and national levels, ensuring smooth and efficient operations; offering financial incentives, and launching the “Location Thailand” campaign.
This programme promotes filming locations as tourist attractions, inspiring film-induced tourism and positioning Thailand as a creative tourism destination.
The campaign aims to spread visitor flows from major cities to secondary destinations and lesser-known filming sites, ensuring broader distribution of income to local communities.
The TAT has partnered with Universal Pictures to promote Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi as tourism destinations linked to the filming of Jurassic World Rebirth.
The initiative focuses on attracting more Film Industry Engagement through collaboration with the Thailand Film Office.
To drive sustainable benefits, TAT is collaborating with online travel agencies, hotels, government agencies, and local communities to create film-inspired travel packages, upgrade infrastructure in filming areas, and enhance workforce skills across related industries.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency has been using the film industry as a tool to promote the creative economy and develop sustainable tourism./.
The new rating system awards businesses with three, four, or five stars, which serve as a recognisable symbol of quality for both local and international tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s vision is for Thai tourism to also improve community life and raise standards for operators, helping the country become a leader in sustainable tourism on the world stage.
The initiative supports the government’s Soft Power policy to position Thailand as a leading global destination while presenting the country’s charm through fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences.
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Confirmed initiatives include the revival of the popular "Half-Half" co-payment scheme. Other proposals under discussion - though not yet finalised - include the "We Travel Together" tourism stimulus programme, decentralisation efforts and disaster mitigation strategies.
