A major development in the Thai travel and tourism industry is the emergence of high-end products such as boutique hotels and ‘chic’ restaurants, art galleries, museums and bars.
A reflection of the major lifestyle shifts taking place worldwide, the new products are helping to change both the profile of visitor arrivals to Thailand, as well as the image of the country. They are also helping to boost the average length of stay and expenditure. A few highlights of the emerging products and niche-market offerings are:
Boutique Hotels:
In line with the “Chic By Thailand” trend, we have seen a phenomenal increase in the number of small, exclusive boutique hotels. These are fabulous little properties designed for discerning guests seeking a comfortable, delectable ambience, high-quality individualised service and, extremely important, total privacy.
At our trade events, such as the highly successful ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in January 2008, the majority of our sellers were these boutique hotels which have opened up not just in Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai,but in many of our new and upcoming resorts all around the country.
Chic:
Already known for its cultural heritage, Thailand is seeing the growth of some remarkably hip, intimate and boutique products which we are marketing under the slogan: ‘CHIC By Thailand’.
The ‘chic’ new products include hotels, restaurants, art galleries, museums, bars and attractions throughout the country. The recent explosion of many new boutique-style properties is prominently featured in a new dedicated brochure for the discerning traveller. The brochure has been produced in conjunction with tour operator partners and includes a range of special offers on holidays to Thailand.
Thai Chic is rooted in Thailand’s rich culture and tradition and blends it with the latest trends in the global culture of fashion, music, cuisine, etc. It is helping to make Bangkok a magnet of international trends, cool people and culture. It is also influencing the world as well-known products like Thai silk join the well-known Thai cuisine. Thai designers are also making an international name for themselves worldwide.
Golf:
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. There are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide, many of them championship standards. The world’s top designers have made a significant contribution. Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr, and many others have perfected modern layouts, using the best grasses and latest techniques.
The result is some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and regular maintenance to keep them in top-class condition. There are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cities. Most of the newer courses offer accommodation on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family.
For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in remote areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation Department and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, all offering good value. So for golfers who not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically different one too, there is an extraordinary choice.
Honeymooners:
Thailand has always been a popular spot for honeymooners, and the shift towards “chic” products, boutique hotels and world-class shopping are all part of that strategy. Couples can tie the knot in simple temple ceremonies, natural gardens, deluxe hotels or even on exotic locations like elephant back.
Now an annual event, the “Wedding on Elephant Back” highlights the strong role and historical importance of the elephant in Thai culture and society. It is also designed to promote the elephant village and training centre in Surin province, and create jobs for the mahouts as well as the many supporting sectors.
Shopping:
Shopping in Thailand is always an excellent opportunity to stack up on some really amazing Thai products to take back home as Christmas and New Year gifts for friends and family. At dozens of department stores, shopping complexes and retailers in Bangkok and all the popular tourist cities, visitors will find an amazing range of high quality goods, e.g. clothing, jewellery, leatherwear, bags, shoes, etc. The best gift items are the unique locally-made products, including those from the Royal Projects, handicrafts, Thai silk products, decorative and designer items,and household products.
Thailand is seeing a number of amazing new retail centres that offer a total shopping experience — from the latest designer goods to traditional Thai arts and crafts. In Bangkok, unique new attractions include the Siam Paragon and the Central World, both world class shopping and entertainment complexes linked by direct walkway to the mass transit system, the BTS Skytrain.
Spas:
Not many countries have such a dedication to relaxation as Thailand. Thai massage has for centuries been enjoyed by people around the world. Sampling Thai massage is as easy as walking into one of the many small shops in Bangkok, or looking out onto a perfect blue sea as one of the beach-side practitioners work their magic. Massage therapy in Thailand has evolved, and the country can now boast luxurious spa resorts that will transport even the most stressed city dweller to a paradise of indulgent relaxation.
Long stay:
Many retirees from European countries are now taking advantage of the relatively warm weather in Thailand and Southeast Asia to set up second homes in order to spend their winters. We are encouraging this through the establishment of a special company to handle longstay visitors. Retirees and pensioners aged 50+ are eligible to apply for special longstay visas and permits, and also eligible to avail of discounts from hospitals, golf courses, spas, hotels and resorts, restaurants, and department stores. For more details on package offering and special promotion, please check out www.thailongstay.co.th
Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org
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