The government is set to to designate 2008 as the year of Thai tourism and 2009 as the year of investment in the tourism industry _ two moves that ostensibly reflect the urgent efforts to boost the country's economy. Tourism and Sport Minister Weerasak Kowsurat announced the policy to senior officials of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Thursday. Since the tourism sector currently plays a significant role in the Thai service sector, the government needed to create confidence among foreign and domestic investors about investment in the industry, he said.

Revenue earned from foreign visitors typically accounts for about 7-8% of the country's gross domestic product.

''I have already talked to Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Phornsiri Manoharn and said tourism revenue this year should surpass one trillion baht,'' Mr Weerasak said. ''The target of 800 billion baht for revenue from foreign visitors would be a challenge for all parties to work hard to fulfil.''

Previously, the TAT projected revenue from foreign visitors to hit 600 billion baht, with domestic tourists contributing 385 billion baht.

Mr Weerasak raised the revenue target from foreign visitors up to 800 billion baht immediately after he took office last week.

The TAT was also told to complete in a month an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the country's tourism destinations, as well opportunities for developing each location.

In-depth information and analysis would help the government to convince the private sector to invest in new tourism products or improve existing locations, he said. In the meantime, financial institutions would be more confident to support loans for investment.

Mr Weerasak said he also would discuss with the Agriculture Ministry how to turn the Royal Flora exhibition site in Chiang Mai into a tourist destination.