Bangkok--1 Oct--Thai Airways Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) will hold a Mega Familiarization trips and event for media and travel agents from around the world next week. The Mega Familiarization trips and events are joint efforts of THAI and the Tourism Authority (TAT). The number of tourist arrival have declined significantly due to the twin setbacks of a global fuel crisis and ongoing political conflict in the country. Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial said with many countries having issued travel advisories to their citizens to avoid visiting Thailand and the resulting cancellation of bookings, THAI, as the national carrier, with TAT are determined to take a lead, along with other tourism organizations, to beat the tourism downturn and boost business long term. The national carrier has always been spearheading the tourism recovery efforts from the impact of major event such as SARS and Tsunami. “ We are encouraging our offices around the world to reassure customers that Thailand is safe to visit. We are trying to mitigate any fallout from the fuel and political issues with prompt and effective action through the travel and tourism trade, where appropriate, that will be positive for customers. Refunds, fee waiving and an interim payment were made to passengers affected by cancellation of flights caused by the recent political situation,” Mr. Pandit Chanapai said. Mr Pandit Chanapai has instructed every THAI’s overseas offices all over the world on accelerated sales and marketing push. THAI has also obtained assistance and recommendation from Star alliance for the Mega Familiarization trip. Star Alliance, of which THAI is a founding member, is the world’s largest airline network. As part of Thailand’s tourism recovery plan, THAI and TAT will be co-hosting a “Thailand Invitation” Mega Familiarization trip for over 800 media representatives and travel operators worldwide, all of which will be flown to/from Thailand courtesy of THAI. From the official event commencing from the 8th of October, the participants will be presented with opportunities to experience products from various categories presented under the Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand theme. They will be invited to different part of the country, with travel itinerary featuring 30 routes, covering Northern and Northeastern Thailand as well as routes in Phuket and Krabi.