BANGKOK, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is riding on the astounding popularity of a recent historical television series to promote Thai culture and tourism in the upcoming water splashing festival.
The country's tourism and culture bodies have been asking tourists to wear traditional Thai costume to enjoy the water splashing festival, known as Songkran which is the Thai new year festival from April 13 to April 15.
"The popularity of TV series Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) has led to Thais from all walks of life donning traditional costumes on increasing occasions across the country. The government will further hold cultural functions nationwide during Songkran festival to promote patriotism and Thai culture," said Veera Rojpojchanarat, culture minister on Tuesday at the joint press conference with the sport and tourism ministry briefing preparations of the festival.
Weerasak Kowsurat, the sport and tourism minister invited foreign tourists to dress up in Thai traditional garb and take trips to historical places and enjoy the specially tailored "love destiny tour packages" such as Thai traditional wedding route, ancient temple trip and Thai foodie trip.
Historic tourist destinations used to film the romantic comedy series "Love Destiny" have seen a nearly three-fold increase in Thai tourists, according to local tourism officials.
