Bangkok--25 Feb--TAT
As the tourism industry is a key factor to initiate income and drive the country’s economy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in conjunction with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will boost Thailand’s tourism industry and increase the number of visitors to the country as part of the tourism recovery plan. The organizers will share the concept of tourism marketing in 2009 to operate the following significant activities:
- Co-branding logo for the tourism promotional campaign
- Co-marketing campaign in global key markets
- Co-organizing the Amazing Thailand Amazing Value Mega Familiarization Trip which is going to be held during 23-25 February, 2009. More than 450 international participants (ASEAN, East Asia, South Asia, Europe, Russia and CIS) including travel operators and media representatives are invited to join study trips in Thailand in order to experience products from the various categories of the “Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand” along with culture activities that will support the “Visit Thailand Year 2009” campaign. They will be witness that the Thai travel and tourism industry is back to business as usual with excellent deals and marketing support for friends in the travel trade.
Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor said that the event will help rebuild the industry to restore visitors’ confidence, re-establish business channels, and emerge stronger and better than ever before. Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports and smiles. Thailand is again ready to welcome the world under the Amazing Thailand Amazing Value campaign that focuses on positioning Thailand as the perfect value-for-money destination.
ACM Narongsak Sangapong, THAI’s Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretariat, and Acting President, said that THAI and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are jointly organizing Amazing Thailand Amazing Value MegaFam to support the Invitation to Visit Thailand Year 2009 project. THAI, the national carrier of Thailand, fully supports this MegaFam effort by bringing 450 tour operators and travel trade media from around the world to Thailand in a promotional effort to boost tourism. The MegaFam’s objective is to reassure the traveling public of Thailand being a safe destination, providing value for money. Participating tour operators and members of the press will gain updated information on the country’s tourism related products and services, to confidently promote Thailand as a leading destination of choice.
Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI’s Executive Vice President for Commercial, said that since the beginning of the year, the company has developed many strategies to promote sales through its sales offices worldwide. This brought about good results, evident by THAI’s cabin factor in January at 75% on international routes and 85% on domestic routes, which was higher than targeted.
In addition, THAI will be introducing special promotion offers for its passengers traveling to Thailand. THAI has launched “Thailand Double Happiness” special fare, offering travel for two or more people to Thailand at a starting price of USD130 each in economy class. When customers chose to fly to another destination in Thailand, they may select from 11 destinations in Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, Samui, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Phitsanulok. “Thailand Double Happiness” offer is valid today until 31st March 2009.
The “Thailand Plus and More” promotion is another special offer from THAI. Passengers traveling with THAI on Royal First and Silk Class or purchase a Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) package on economy class tickets, will receive one free night’s accommodation at 100 selected top hotels throughout 7 cities in Thailand, on top of other valuable offers from ROH. Intercontinental travelers will also receive one free domestic roundtrip ticket. “Thailand Plus & More” offer is valid from 1 March — 31 October 2009.
Thailand remains the world’s best value-for-money brand, as announced on 11 November, 2008, by the 2008 Country Brand Index (CBI), the third consecutive year it has won this accolade. The Brand Index hailed the Kingdom thus: “Famous for its authentic culture, spectacular beaches and noteworthy nightlife, Thailand is also one of the most affordable destinations in the world.”
In addition, Thailand heads the field as the least expensive destination, as cited by The New Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer of tourist staples in 15 long-haul countries. This barometer reveals that costs are significantly lower for UK tourists in five leading destinations than in the Euro zone.
Furthermore, Bangkok has been voted by CondeNast Traveler, USA to be the “Best International Business City 2008” and again has been voted the ‘Best Tourist Country in The World’ in the 2009 Norwegian Grand Travel Award and Swedish Grand Travel Award, and more recently, “The 2009 Travelers’ Choice Award” from TripAdvisor-branded website. We have also won numerous other awards.
Contact:
International Public Relation Division (TAT)
Tel: 66 2 250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: 66 253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
www.tatnews.org
International Public Relations Department (THAI)
Tel : 66 2 545 2662, 662 545 1711
Fax : 66 2 545 3891-2
E-mail : [email protected]
www.thaiairways.com