The Thai cabinet approved, Tuesday, two extra government holidays in mid-2016 to allow residents to enjoy two long holiday weekends and boost domestic tourism.

According to the Cabinet’s meeting report, it approved Friday 6 May and Monday 18 July as extra holidays next year.

Since Coronation Day in 2016 falls on 5 May, which is a Thursday, the Cabinet approved a Ministry of Tourism and Sports proposal to declare Friday, 6 May, an extra holiday, to enable residents to take a four-day break from 5 to 8 May.

In addition, Monday 18 July will be an extra holiday, which will give residents a five-day holiday from Saturday 16 to Wednesday 20 July. 19 July is Asarnha Bucha Day and 20 July marks the start of the Buddhist Lent.

Beach vacationTourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the two extra-long holidays will help boost domestic tourism as statistics show that 70% of Thai people like to travel during a long holiday.

Next year, the country will promote an additional 12 must-visit destinations on top of the 12 hidden gems that were covered in this year’s campaign.

The additional 12 “don’t miss” destinations are: Lamphun, Phrae, Phitsanulok, Chaiyaphum, Surin, Suphanburi, Nakhon Pathom, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Ranong, Satun and Phattalung.

The first campaign promotes Lampang, Nan, Phetchaburi, Loei, Buri Ram, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chumphon, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The ministry has set revenue targets for tourism at THB2.3 trillion for 2016 and THB2.5 trillion for 2017. This year, tourism revenue is projected to reach THB2.2 trillion.