“This idea of industrial tourism is popular in Japan. Many factories and production bases there are opening doors to tourism. Thailand has that potential too,” Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of TAT, said yesterday.

The agency plans to promote the East Coast of Thailand as a new destination for industrial tourism.

The region could attract locals and tourists who want to learn about and experience manufacturing and industry through site visits.

Industrial tourism was one of the areas the government is promoting this year.

The agency yesterday signed an agreement with the organiser of Miss Universe China to invite this year’s beauty contestants to go camping in Thailand.

The 16 finalists and more than 20 staff will be staying in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Bangkok from October 28-November 3.

Scenes from the camping trip will be featured during the final round in November.

That will showcase Thailand’s attractions and activities to millions of Chinese.

“This will be the first time for Thailand to host China’s beauty camp,” he said

“Last year, 7.9 million Chinese visited Thailand and generated income of Bt500 billion. Arrivals are expected to reach 10 million this year.”

Thailand aims to be in the top three in tourism revenue contribution in Asia.

“For the China market, TAT hopes to increase average spending per head per day by 20 per cent to more than Bt5,000,” he said.