Entitled “Slow Life Cycling at Hidden Gems Plus”, the project invites visitors to ride along in the events, which will be held between May and September.

The cyclists can join any or all of the following rides: Phatthalung’s Talay Noi Wetlands Preserve on May 29; Rayong’s Tung Prong Thong golden mangrove field on June 26; Chaiyaphum’s Pa Hin Ngam National Park (Tung Dok Krajeaw) on July 24; Nakhon Pathom’s Phra Pathom Chedi on August 28; and Lamphun’s Wat Phra That Hariphunchai on September 25.

For more information, visit http://www.nationtv.tv/slowlifebiketrip/ or m.facebook.com/slowlifebiketrip.

TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing, Sujitra Jongchansitto, said during the press conference that the project would promote eco-tourism, boost public awareness of new attractions, and stimulate community economies.

TAT aims to increase the number of cycling tourists this year to 450,000 people, which could translate into tourism income worth Bt1.5 billion, she said.

Nation Broadcasting Corporation executive Nongnat Hanwilai, who supervised the project, said the cyclists could join in activities with local communities and learn about their lifestyles such as fishing, handicraft-making, and tasting fruits at orchards, as well as each community’s “One Tambon, One Product” goods.

Managing director Yasushi Moriyama of Mitsubishi Electric, the sponsor of the events, said the company saw many benefits for Thailand.

This cycling campaign, which promotes tourism and community participation, matched well the company’s policy to promote Thai culture, education and life quality, as well as community participation in environmental conservation, he said.