The tourism industry has played a major role in the development of our nation. This is particularly so in light of the ever-increasing foreign exchange income and the employment opportunities it has created for hundreds of thousands of Thais in all regions of the country.

There have also been untold intangible benefits accruing to the country as the millions of tourists have returned home and spread favourable impressions of our culture, food, spas, beaches, national parks and resorts.

These magnificent achievements were made possible through the creativity and commitment of many participants in our tourism industry over a period of many years.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand recognizes the many individuals, organizations and private companies who have been major contributors to the success of the nation’s tourism industry.

In 1996, The Tourism Authority of Thailand inaugurated the Thailand Tourism Awards as a means to pay tribute to those who have demonstrated the creativity, foresight and commitment that have brought fame to our country through the tourism industry.

The objectives set for the Tourism Awards are:
To emphasize its determination to preserve the environment and its responsibility for tourism management that encourages sustainable tourism resources-both concrete and abstract, TAT has established the following objectives for the Thailand Tourism Awards.

1. To encourage competitiveness of service in the tourism industry, and by doing so, contribute to the conservation of the country’s natural and cultural resources, and support sustainable tourism development.
   
2. To demonstrate the TAT’s intention to promote the quality development of tourism industry.
   
3. To recognize and honor the entrepreneurs who have made contributions towards the tourism industry.

The Thailand Tourism Awards “Kinnari” Statuette

This elegant statuette is a mark of prestige and a symbol of quality assurance that can be displayed and publicized with its meaning easy to understand.

Mr. Nonthivathn Chandhanaphalin, the designer, cast the Thailand Tourism Awards Statuette in the shape of mythical creature which is believed to live in the mystical Himmaphan Forest, have a beautiful voice and elegant posture. The upper part of the Kinnari is of a fine-looking woman, symbolizing beauty and exaltation. Its lower part, however, is of a bird, symbolizing delight and joy amidst the nature. The lotus on one hand connotes purity, while the dove perching on its other hand connotes peace and fraternity, which corresponds to the world tourism industry’s slogan “Tourism: passport to Peace”.  The Kinnari stands on a globe with its artistic and fluttering posture, ready to fly into the limitless sky.

The winners of the Awards of Excellence are presented with the Gold Kinnari, while the winners of the Awards of outstanding Performance receive the Silver Kinnari.