TAT to Host the Rural Tourism Awards and OTOP Tourism Awards

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with over 40 organizations, including the Community Development Department, the Department of Cultural Promotion, the Department of Agricultural Extension, the Department of Industrial Promotion, the Cooperative Promotion Department, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the National Village and Urban Community Fund Office, Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, PTT Global Chemical Company Limited, Pracharath Rak Samakkee (Thailand) Company, as well as public and private universities, tour companies, tourism-related associations, and other organizations working with local communities, to host the Rural Tourism Awards and OTOP Tourism Awards in order to promote and strengthen rural tourism and encourage self-reliance among local Thai people. This is under the government’s sustainability policy to improve the grassroots economy in accordance with national strategies. In the time of the global COVID-19 crisis, the nation’s economy is now in particular need of internal reinforcement. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said “This will be a landmark Rural Tourism Awards, with over 40 public and private organizations and academic institutes working together, starting from today until September 2020. All qualified communities will be evaluated by a knowledgeable committee board. Finally, a vote will be open to tourists to reach unanimous results. The Rural Tourism Awards and the OTOP Tourism Awards will truly bring pride to the communities. Each winning community will receive an honorary plate and public relations support to help with marketing and sales through various media channels, including the world-renowned online platform Airbnb, for tangible results. TAT is confident that the competition will motivate these communities to improve their capabilities in terms of tourism, as well as enhance their public image and elevate local community tourism, building confidence among domestic visitors and improving awareness at an international level.” The “best tourism village competition” consists of two categories: 1. Rural Tourism Awards – 5 sub-categories 1) Best Creative Experience 2) Best for Agro tourism 3) Best Homestay 4) Best for Responsible Tourism 5) Best for Company Outing 2. OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) Tourism Awards – 5 sub-categories 1) OTOP Tourism Award in Household and Decorative Items 2) OTOP Tourism Awards in Herbal Products 3) OTOP Tourism Awards in Food and Drinks 4) OTOP Tourism Awards in Textile and Clothing 5) OTOP Tourism Awards in Miscellaneous Products In addition, the villages nominated with the highest votes will also be announced in the event. • 25 rural tourism villages (5 villages per sub-category) • 100 OTOP tourism villages (The list of qualified villages is presented in the attached document) The judging of both categories will be carried out in the same manner. A board committee consisting of knowledgeable members from all organizations will select 15 finalist communities (3 per sub-category). They will then visit the communities to select the winner, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up. Tourists are also invited to vote for the best communities. The winners will be decided based on the committee’s score (70%) and tourist votes (30%). TAT will host an event to announce and celebrate the winners of the Rural Tourism Awards on 27 September 2020, which is also World Tourism Day. The OTOP Tourism Award winners will be decided and announced in late 2020. ************************************************************************************** For more information please contact: Thachasorn Atsadatorn (Klao), public relations department, mobile: 09-8635-6365