The “Thailand Grand Invitation” campaign is to be launched during the World Travel Market, London, at a star-studded party at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane. In 2006, the Thai people will celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, one of the most extraordinary reigns in world history. His Majesty is already the world’s longest reigning monarch. Representing the Royal Thai Government and the Thai tourism industry, Princess Ubol Ratana will preside over the reception and invite all delegates and tourists to visit Thailand to celebrate this important milestone. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are putting together a series of “Greatest Special Events” featuring a celebration of music, culture and arts festivals, plus sports competitions, to be held nationwide and all through the year. These events will honour the life and times of His Majesty and all that he has done for the people of Thailand. In addition to his many rural development activities, which bear great relevance to the most important global agenda today, poverty alleviation, visitors will also have an opportunity to witness the fabulous Royal Barge Procession, Royal Procession and Trooping of the Colours. Special activities will include Jazz festivals, because His Majesty is also a great lover of jazz. All of Thailand’s many national and cultural events will take on a royal flavour, with everything being done in the same colourful style and flair. This year, a total of 95 Thai tourism companies including 80 hotels and resorts, 12 tour operators, 2 airlines and 1 golf course will be participating in the 26th World Travel Market in London, the world’s second biggest travel trade show. Twenty-one of these exhibitors are from areas affected by last year’s devastating tsunami, clearly showing that the area is back to normal and that the hotels are anxious to attract business again. The United Kingdom is Thailand’s most important source of arrivals from Europe. In 2004, arrivals from UK totalled 628,679, up 15.35% over 2003. Between January-October 2005, arrivals from the UK to Thailand at Bangkok International Airport grew 6.54% to 500,534, making it the fourth largest source of arrivals overall. The UK is also generating strong growth in business travellers and convention delegates. Between January-April 2005, business travellers were up 4.64% to 11,847. Convention delegates were up 528.46% to 7,133. Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan, Governor of TAT said, “The strong growth in arrivals from UK is expected to play a major role in helping us meet our goal of 20 million arrivals by 2008.” As of November 2004, there were 34 direct scheduled flights per week between Bangkok and London being operated by four airlines – THAI International Airways, British Airways, Qantas, and Eva Airways. In addition, many visitors are travelling on airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Etihad via their hubs in the Gulf. The World Travel Market is the international travel industry's premier business-to-business forum and allows exhibitors to negotiate and exchange vital contracts, source new products and services, learn about the latest worldwide industry developments and network. International PR Division |
