Call to connect ASEAN destinations

Call to connect ASEAN destinations
The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identifies a connectivity challenge to open Thailand to adventure travel enthusiasts.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT’s Governor, made the observations at the recent Pacific Asia Travel Association Sustainable Tourism Conference and Adventure Travel Mart held in Chiang Rai. He called for a decisive shift to quality tourism, by upgrading tourist destinations and encouraging travellers to explore secondary destinations.

Fielding the question of airline connectivity, he said TAT and the Airports of Thailand were working hand-in-hand to improve connectivity to other cities in ASEAN. “For example, the challenge is how to connect Bagan and Mandalay in Myanmar and Luang Prabang in Lao PDR. to Chiang Rai, a destination that has cultural and heritage links and shares borders with both countries.”

TAT has taken up the connectivity issue as part of the strategy to disperse travel beyond popular destinations. It hopes to achieve a sustainable tourism model that will support communities and safeguard the environment.

The highly successful 12 Hidden Gems campaign identified secondary destinations that can be used to disperse tourism. This year the scope of the campaign has been extended to include another 12 destinations that will also appeal to adventure travelers.

Chiang Rai was identified as one of the key destinations to campaign for more direct flights from neighbouring countries by offering incentives and marketing support to airlines prepared to commit resources to Thailand’s Far North.

Just days before the conference, Thai AirAsia announced it would introduce the first direct flight from Chiang Rai to Hat Yai in South Thailand, effective 1 April. At the main conference session, highlights from the Adventure Tourism Development Index 2015 Report indicated the strengths of Thailand’s adventure travel appeal.

Research showed it performed on par with China and India, while excelling in adventure travel infrastructure, sustainable development polices and entrepreneurial spirit.

An Adventure Travel Trade Association survey indicated that four out of every 10 travellers would engage in some form of adventure travel. The market had an estimated value of USD265 billion in 2012, growing 65% from a base of USD89 billion in 2009.

The survey also underscored the role of food tourism in the adventure travel mix. Thailand achieved a high score, listed alongside Italy, France, Spain and India as the most requested destinations for food and adventure travel.

The PATA Sustainable Tourism and Adventure Travel Mart packed presentations by 20 speakers from 10 countries into the one-day conference. The following day, the Mart served as a business platform for 44 sellers and 32 international buyers. TAT invited 11 international travel bloggers to cover the event and explore Chiang Rai province.

Contact Information
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tatnews.org
Facebook: TAT Newsroom
Twitter: TAT Newsroom

Content : http://www.tatnews.org/call-to-connect-asean-destinations/

Thailand is still the popular destination of French people

TOURISM NEWS

Thailand is still the popular destination of French people

Thailand is still the popular destination of French people

Tourmag.com, an important trading online traveling website in French market, reported that the number of French tourists selecting Thailand packages

The packages also have been offered from airlines with pleasing prices. In 2015, there were 681,097 French people visiting Thailand or increasing 7.25% comparing to the previous year. In January 2016, there were 6.25% of travellers increasing from the past year or 83,295 people.

Additionally, SETO informed the number of French tourists in 2014/2015 decreased 1.6% while the income reduced 10.4%, comparing to the previous year; however, the touring agencies such as FTI Voyages, Climats du Monde, Asia and Visiteurs revealed that Thailand is the top destination where French popularly love to visit. Partly, it is one of the most worth to travel in South East Asia thought there were some recent news about attack and rape of French tourists in Kood Island in the end of February 2019 which has not affected at all, according to Akiou Company.

Hotels.com, one of most popular hotel reservation website of French people in 2015 for business and travel, the first top five destinations, in regard with Hotel Price Index, include London, New York, Barcelona, Rome and Bruxelles but in the first tenth, Thailand is the only one country has 2 cities ranked in the list which are Bangkok (7th from 12th). and Phuket (9th from 20th). Comparing to the previous year, they climbed to the first top ten.

The main factors which results to popular country among the French are various types of tourist spot in terms of culture, landscape and beautiful nature, many beach resorts and hotels, Thai cuisines, hot climate and satisfied costs, these attracted them to select Thailand. According to the survey, Bangkok is “A Must” country if they come at the first time when the city contains many temples, interesting markets, street food, Michelin restaurants and nightlife. The others ranked top include Samui Island, Krabi (23th and 33th respectively). It is anticipated that Thai tourist spots will remain its popularity in 2016 as well. Furthermore, French people also changed their interest during travelling. In 2015, they loved sport activities but in this year, they prefer relaxations (sunbath 52% and spa 32%) and local sightseeing (local food 55% and cultural sightseeing 45%).

The most recent news in the subject of Thailand in French market comes from SETO informed the travel report of French in 2015 that in June, July and September, the travel rate increased but decreased in May, August and October. The travel decreased from the previous year while Long-haul destinations increased including Thailand (+53%), Japan (+41%), Mauritius Island (+30%), Cape Verde (+15%), Cuba (+9%) and Canada (+8%). News from SNAV revealed the number of ticket reservations increased 1.8%, Metropolitan travel 1.7%, comparing to February 2015. In terms of Middle-haul destinations, it increased 1.5%. Spain remained in the first top while Portugal gained the highest reservations contrasting to Morocco and Tunisia. For Long-haul destinations, the reservations increased 3.6% while Thailand 23% but the Republic of Dominican reduced 27%. On the other hand, the overall travel rate decreased 6.5%, Long haul destinations 6.1%. Thailand ranked in the second of having highest visitors into the country (+2%) while Cuba and India received satisfied numbers as well.

In 2015, there were French people visiting Thailand for 681,097 people or increasing 7.25% and from January to March 2016, the amount is 260,481 people or increasing 9.94%.

More information http://thaitravelmart.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=285

 

creative-thailand-2016-at-bitec-3-500

Creative Thailand 2016 opens in Bangkok to showcase the creative economy

creative-thailand-2016-at-bitec-3-500

Bangkok, 20 October, 2016 – The creative economy concept is now being showcased in Thailand after the launch of “Creative Thailand 2016: Think Big” Expo at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). The event, which was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, is taking place from 19 to 23 October, 2016.

With the slogan “All creative products from creative people in one creative place”, the event is aimed at kick-starting the creative economy in Thailand by showing business people and entrepreneurs the benefits of creative innovation, and how it can ensure a more value-based economy. This aim is in line with Thailand 4.0, a reform programme being charted by the Royal Thai Government to ensure “Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability”.

Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak said “The world is changing and becoming more connected than ever before and this is driving the creative economy. The “Creative Thailand 2016: Think Big” Expo will support cultural and creative industries with high value to the nation. We want to build links between the public and private sector, so we can boost the economy and employment and ensure Thailand takes its rightful place in the world as a dynamic, IT-savvy and creative nation”.

creative-thailand-2016-at-bitec-1-500

There are five zones to give visitors a better understanding of the Creative Economy. Zone 1: “Baht and Brain” gives a general overview while Zone 2: “Creative World” has attractions to inspire creativity among Thai businesses. Visitors to Zone 3 will find a “Creative District” with interesting exhibitions and activities as well as a circular cinema showing documentaries about culturally sustainable destinations in Thailand. Visitors to this zone can pick a “Startups” info-graphic booklet that gives best practice information about starting up creative industry businesses. Zone 4: “Think Big” will display creative economy products and provide a consulting service for people considering new ventures. Zone 5, “Talk Symposium” is where entrepreneurs can attend talks from local and international experts who can create understanding of the Creative Economy and inspire new start-ups.

creative-thailand-2016-at-bitec-2-500

In parallel with the Creative Thailand 2016, at BITEC, there is the 42nd Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG + BIH), which show off some creative products and services. In addition, all visitors have the chance to win return air tickets for two from Thai AirAsia by posting creative pictures and sharing them on social media with the hashtag #CREATIVETHAILAND.

“The Creative Economy will generate jobs and wealth while creating new streams of income for the Thai people. I hope that all visitors to Creative Thailand 2016 are inspired by the event and go on to “Think Big” and work with us to grow Thailand’s economy,” said Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak.

To see more images of this event, please visit our Photo Library: Creative Thailand 2016.

Contact Information 
International Public Relations Division

explore-unique-thai-local-experiences-2016-1-500

Thailand presents Unique Thai Local Experiences with the Sufficiency Economy at ITB Asia 2016

explore-unique-thai-local-experiences-2016-1-500

Singapore, 19 October, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today unveiled the “Unique Thai local experiences,” with the integration of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy to strengthen the country’s tourism industry at the ITB Asia, which is being held from 19 to 21 October, 2016 in Singapore.

His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s philosophy is a guidance to integrate with our tourism direction: the emphasis on ‘Unique Thai Local Experiences.’ In order to support the ‘Strength from Within’ concept to promote the development of our tourism industry, the philosophy has been adopted to strengthen the local business communities, small and medium sized enterprises at the grassroots of society, as well as enhance a stakeholder empowerment between the private and public sectors.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “We are welcome travellers to visit several Royal Projects in many parts of the country; such as, Chang Hua-Mun Royal Initiative Project to experience how the philosophy yields a productive results to the locals. Moreover, tourists are encouraged to explore the unique local experiences in many communities that implements the Sufficiency Economy to reflect the simplicity of Thai way life to foreigners.”

mrs-srisuda-wanapinyosak-500

Meanwhile, the presentation on “Explore Unique Thai Local Experiences” has been delivered by Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific), at the Destination Showcase function: Thailand, on 19 October, 2016. More than 80 representatives of international tour operators and media attended the presentation.

Recommended destinations and activities featured in the presentation on Unique Thai Local Experiences included a bike tour to explore the capital’s localness in Chinatown, a day or overnight stay tour to experience the community-based tourism at Baan Rai Kong Khing in Chiang Mai and joining an indigo-dyed cloth workshop at Kram Sakon in Sakhon Nakhon.

Mrs. Srisuda said, “We strongly believe that a local experience will connect and benefit everyone. The community will recognise its role to preserve their identity, continuously develop their quality products to tourists, and create job opportunities to its locals. The tour operators collaborate with the communities to offer the potential quality products to its customers while the tourists are fulfilled with new experiences they gained. Finally, it will eventually lead to sustainability in the tourism sector.”

explore-unique-thai-local-experiences-2016-2-500

TAT has been participating in the ITB Asia since its inception in 2008. This year, the Thai contingent includes 36 exhibitors including high-quality hotels, health and wellness facilities, as well as world-class food and beverage outlets, which are embedded with giving a touch of Thainess and local experiences to their guests.

During January – August 2016, Thailand had already generated the total income of 31.2 billion USD from 22.4 million visitors, up by 15.5 per cent. East Asian and ASEAN visitor arrivals totalled 15.27 million or 68.15 per cent, the biggest market share of all visitors.

At the end of 2016, TAT expects to reach 49 billion US dollars, an increase of 18 per cent based on a projection of 33 million international tourists.

Contact Information International Public Relations Division