(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) An Omani has become the 17 millionth visitor to Thailand this year. Khalifa al Shaqsi Thailand's 'Luckiest Visitor' arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday to a surprise welcome by executives and representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Thai Airways International and officials from the industry.
Shaqsi and his family won free tickets and accommodation.
As part of a 'Green Season' marketing strategy every millionth visitor to the country is being welcomed at Thailand's international aviation gateways until September 30 this year.
The lucky visitors are being surprised with two economy-class return air tickets from their international port of origin to Thailand along with a five-night accommodation voucher a 'Thailand's Luckiest Visitor' certificate as well as other prizes from TAT's project partners. The trips have a validity period of one year.
The activity is designed to support the '2015 Discover Thainess' umbrella campaign which aims to highlight the charm of Thailand the diversity of its destinations Thai cuisine culture as well as the friendliness of its people.
Sugree Sithivanich TAT's deputy governor for marketing communications who was among those who received Shaqsi said 'We are extremely happy to see visitor arrivals to Thailand going up by a million every 10-15 days on an average especially during what is supposed to be an off-season.'
Thailand welcomed the 13 millionth visitor on 13 June this year followed by the 14 millionth visitor on June 21 the 15 millionth on July 5 the 16 millionth on July 15 and the 17 millionth visitor on Tuesday.
According to preliminary figures released by Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports the country welcomed a total of 15.81mn visitors between January and July 12 this year a 30.31 per cent increase over the same period of 2014. This generated tourism income of 741.12bn Baht a 30.43 per cent growth over the same period of last year.
TAT is projecting 28.8mn visitors in 2015.
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