The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been unanimously voted “The Best NTO” by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG mice and TTG-BTmice China. This is the second consecutive year this award has been won by the TAT.

The award was presented during the 19th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2008 Ceremony & Gala Dinner in conjunction with the IT&CMA and CTW 2008 Asia-Pacific event on 9 October 2008 from 6.30 –10.30 pm at Centara Grand & Bangkok Conventions Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

Set up in Singapore since 1974, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the leading publisher and organiser of events in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Its publications and trade shows provide the best access and solutions to marketing travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific.

With a total circulation of 61,432, the publications are targeted at distinct segments: TTG Asia for travel agents and tour operators; TTG China (Chinese) for the travel trade and travel agents in China; TTGmice for the meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) planners; Business Travel News (BTN) Asia-Pacific for corporate travel buyer in the Asia Pacific; and BTN China (Chinese edition) for corporate travel managers in China.

Mr. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor, thanked the readers, publishers and editors of the TTG publications groups for the honour.

“The Tourism Authority of Thailand is indeed honoured to have been rated thus twice in a row. All of us who work in this industry share a strong commitment towards service excellence, and it is always important to be recognised thus.”

She added, “The tourism industry is becoming extremely competitive every year, and maintaining Thailand’s marketing profile has become a hugely challenging exercise.

“Such recognition by TTG Asia media’s esteemed readers always motivates us to continuously strive for higher standards in developing our products and services, as well as sharpening our marketing and promotional messages.”

Set up in March 1960, the TAT was the first organisation in Thailand to be specifically responsible for the promotion of tourism. It has played a major role in making travel & tourism one of Thailand’s leading foreign exchange earning and job-creating industries.

In 2007, international visitor arrivals totalled 14.46 million, an increase of 4.65% over 2006, which generated tourism revenue at 547 billion baht. In January–July 2008, visitor arrivals totalled 9.14 million, up 12.65% over the same period of 2007.

In 2008, Thailand is projecting 15.48 million visitor arrivals, up 7% over 2007. The domestic visitor arrivals target in 2008 is 83 million trips, up 1.23%.

Numerous activities are under way as part of the Amazing Thailand 2008-09 campaign. One of its key themes to be promoted worldwide throughout 2009 is the Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand which focusses on unique niche-market products, namely: Thainess, Treasures, Beaches, Nature, Health and Wellness, Trends, and Festivities.

Other activities include:

Amazing Thailand Photo Contest: This Contest will begin on November 15, 2008 and extend through to April 30, 2009. It is open to all nationals, except nationals and residents of Thailand. Photographs sent in for judging must comply with either or all of the following categories: People, Nature/Landscape, Architecture and Culture/Lifestyle. For more information please visit www.tourismthailand.org/photocontest

Amazing Thailand: Friends Forever (November 2008): This campaign will seek to build brand royalty and encourage repeat visitors by using the value card. Card holders will be able to use it to buy products and services in their home countries as well as in Thailand. It will be launched at the World Travel Market in London in November 2008 and later in other potential markets such as Singapore, Philippines and Sweden.

Amazing Thailand: Romancing the Kingdom (February 2009): This campaign will be launched for honeymooners and newlyweds. It will be introduced in the Korean, Japanese and French markets.

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: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org