Sixty One Thai Tourism Products Score High Marks in Best in Travel 2012 Poll

on 22 August 2012.

Sixty One Thai Tourism Products Score High Marks in Best in Travel 2012 Poll

Bangkok, August 22, 2012: Thai tourism destinations, airlines, airports, hotels and spa resorts scored high marks in the Best in Travel 2012 Poll announced by the popular website Smart Travel Asia 2012.

Altogether, a total of 61 Thai tourism industry products were listed in the poll rankings, some in the top ten and others in the top 25. The list was led by Phuket, which was ranked the second-best holiday destination in Asia. Bangkok ranked 4th best city for business and fifth in the top ten holiday destinations in Asia. Ko Samui ranked the 10th best holiday destination in Asia.

Thai Airways International, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Samui Airport also fared well. An analysis of the poll results also indicated that the award-winning products were located nationwide, including Hua Hin and Chiang Rai.

Commented TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “We are proud to see so many of our destinations and products scoring highly in these rankings. It clearly shows that the determined effort made by our entire industry to upgrade quality is paying off and getting global recognition.”

Announcing the awards, Smart Travel Asia’s Editor-Publisher Vijay Verghese said, “This year (2012) marks the eighth year of our online poll to discern travel preferences among our affluent frequent traveller readers who take over 16 air trips a year.

“The focus of the Best in Travel Poll is to determine which travel brands are sought after and why. The three-month exercise from May to July each year offers insights for our own editorial direction and generates useful comparative research data for hotels and airlines.”

Mr. Verghese said that one interesting finding this year is that affluent travellers by and large first seek trusted brand evaluations online (rather than price), but often fail to find this due to the blizzard of booking engines and sales sites that tend to dominate search results. “Readers clearly state that they will first evaluate a brand before booking it,” he said.

“Another point to emerge is that while affluent travellers make travel decisions online, they do not commonly book online. They go offline to talk to a human being in order to ask questions and personalise the purchase. Business travellers in particular are averse to online bookings as travel circumstances change rapidly and unpredictably. They tend to use their own trusted travel agents or will talk to sales persons at a hotel of their choice. In other words, tracking ‘conversions’ often fails with this elite audience.”

Approximately 70 percent of the voters were based in Asia (largely Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and the Middle East), 15 percent in UK/Europe and 15 percent in USA and North America. They recorded an average of 16.22 air trips (up from 15.75) over the past 12 months and earned US$162,134 in household income (up modestly from US$156,716 in 2011).

There was no charge for nomination or any hidden fee. Readers were free to vote for any of thousands of travel products in Asia from Japan to the Middle East.

Here is a listing of all the Thai destinations and products that won awards:

120822 Best Asian Travel Brands2012 table1

120822 Best Asian Travel Brands2012 400

In photo: Smart Travel Asia presents plaques recognising the Best in Travel 2012 results to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). From left to right: Mr. Vijay K Verghese, editor & director of Smart Travel Asia; Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, director of the International Public Relations Division, TAT; and Ms. Pidichanan Petchngaovilai, Advertising Manager, Thailand & Indochina of Smart Travel Asia.

For further information, please contact International Public Relations Division, TAT

Tourism Authority of Thailand to Encourage Growth of Medical Tourism Sector with Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Trade Familiarization Trip

on 21 August 2012.

Tourism Authority of Thailand to encourage growth of medical tourism sector with Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Trade Familiarization Trip

Bangkok, August 21, 2012 - To sustain the growth of Thailand’s medical tourism sector, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized the “Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Trade Familiarization (fam) Trip”, which runs from September 10 to 15, 2012. The fam trip will play an important role in showcasing Thailand as one of the world’s leading destinations for medical & wellness tourism.

Over 150 international medical tourism facilitators and staff from health insurance companies and tourism business partners from all over the world will join the fam trip to meet and network with medical service providers in Thailand. The fam trip opens with a one-day trade event at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok on September 11. The event will feature exhibition booths, a country briefing, business meetings, and a networking night.

During the remaining four days of the fam trip, the international visitors will go to many Thai health and wellness providers to tour facilities, meet their experts and try out the various services available to medical tourists. The result of the fam trip will be greater recognition of the variety and quality of medical and wellness options available to visitors to Thailand, which will encourage the growth of the Kingdom’s medical tourism sector.

“Thailand has established itself as a global leader in medical tourism. People from all over the world put their trust in Thailand’s health and wellness providers, thanks to their internationally-accredited medical facilities, advanced technologies, excellent service and affordability. This fam trip will help to increase momentum for the Kingdom’s medical tourism sector, reinforcing Thailand’s position as the world’s preferred destination for health and wellness holidays,” said TAT Governor Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni.

According to the Department of Health Service Support, 2.24 million foreign visitors came to Thailand for medical purposes in 2011, generating 97.8 billion Baht in income. The number of medical tourism visitors is expected to rise to 2.53 million in 2012.

The TAT has actively supported Thai medical tourism for many years. This includes a web site to provide healthcare information for international patients travelling to Thailand, as well as conducting a Medical Tourism Blog Contest as an innovative way to promote the medical tourism experience in Thailand.

For further information:
Interested sellers, please contact: seller@ThailandMedTourism.com
Interested buyers, please contact: buyer@ThailandMedTourism.com

TAT Awarded as Best Overseas Tourism Office in India

on 21 August 2012.

TAT Awarded as Best Overseas Tourism Office in India

New Delhi, August 21, 2012: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi office was honored with an award as the "Best Overseas Tourism Office in India 2012” at the Safari India National Tourism Awards ceremony, which was held at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi on 18th August, 2012.

The award followed a voting process by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) committees. The TAT received acclaim for being proactive and creative in promoting Thailand as a preferred tourist destination. The TAT was also recognized for providing regular, tourist-friendly updates about the tourism market and various situations in Thailand.

Mr. Chanyuth Sawetsuwan, Assistant Director of the TAT New Delhi office, accepted the award.

The Safari Awards are organized by PATWA, which is the leading travel writers’ organization representing members from all over the world. They are given annually to recognize leadership in the fields of hotels, tourism, destinations, airlines, travel agents and individuals. The Safari Awards also recognize the professional work done by the state governments.

Safari India is a prestigious regional tourism magazine covering India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Southeast Asia.

The TAT received two Best National Tourist Organisation (NTO) Awards in the first seven months of 2012. The first was “The Best Outbound Tourism Board” in The International Tourism Conclave & Travel Awards (ITCTA) on 6 April. The “The Best Overseas Tourism Office in India 2012” from PATWA is the second major award for the TAT so far this year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand would like to thank all its partners for their continued support for Amazing Thailand.

120821 Best Overseas Tourism Office1 400

120821 Best Overseas Tourism Office2 400

For more information, contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
B- 9/1A Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110057
Tel: 91 11 46741111, 41663567-9 Fax: 91 11 41663570

Roadshow for Amazing Thailand to Punjab & West Bengal

on 20 August 2012.

120820 Roadshow1 250150

Roadshow for Amazing Thailand to Punjab & West Bengal

New Delhi, August 20, 2012 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a roadshow to North & East India, with 14 travel trade partners invited from Thailand, consisting of hotels, handling agents, attractions, entertainment options and airlines.

The roadshow was held in two cities - Kolkata on 31st July and Chandigarh on 2nd August. Over 100 travel agents were invited from Kolkata and nearby cities and Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar.

There were two B2B sessions held in each city. The first session was held exclusively for the top agents to interact with travel trade from Thailand one on one. This was followed by table-top sales sessions for the rest of the agents followed by a Thailand products presentation and a Thai dinner.

The presentation was done by Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Director Ms. Runjuan Tongrut, who updated the agents on new destinations and new trends for Thailand. The new destinations introduced were Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Khao Yai, Rayong, Samui, Krabi, Phuket, HuaHin/Cha-am, and Chiang Mai among others. The director also gave a brief explanation about the different segments such as weddings, celebrations, golf, health & wellness, adventure as well as women’s groups.

Over 100 Indian weddings have been held in Thailand in the past year and many other celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries and graduation parties were held in Thailand. There are many options for Indian weddings in Thailand such as banquet space, floral services, temples and Gurudwaras in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui, and Chiang Mai. Thailand has received two awards from Travel + Leisure Magazine, India readers as The World’s Best Destination and The Best Wedding Destination.

The evening ended with fun-filled activities in both of the cities, where several agents received exciting and attractive prizes sponsored by the TAT. There was also a lucky draw with prizes sponsored by the Thai travel trade as well as a grand prize of a return ticket sponsored by Thai Airways International as well as in Kolkata, where the Thai Consul-General (Mr. Prasitidesh Vichitsorasatra) from Royal Thai Consulate-General Kolkata presented the prize.

Ms. Runjuan mentioned, “By the end of 2012, we aim to have at least one million Indian visitors to Thailand.” She also thanked the Punjab agents and West Bengal agents for their co-operation and support for Amazing Thailand.

The Road Shows were a big success and Indian agents as well as travel trade partners from Thailand appreciated the event.

Roadshow for Amazing Thailand to Punjab & West Bengal, India

For further information, please contact International Public Relations Division, TAT

Luxury Cruise Ship Route Featuring MV “Ocean Dream” Launched on Gulf of Thailand, Reinforcing Thailand’s Position as the Travel Hub of the ASEAN Region

on 06 August 2012.

Luxury Cruise Ship Route Featuring MV “Ocean Dream” Launched on Gulf of Thailand, Reinforcing Thailand’s Position as the Travel Hub of the ASEAN Region

Bangkok, August 6, 2012 - The luxury cruise ship MV “Ocean Dream” recently kicked off its inaugural 4-day, 3-night cruise on the Gulf of Thailand. The 420-cabin luxury liner departed from the port of Laem Chabang in Thailand’s Chonburi province, stopping at Ko Samui, and then calling in at Sihanoukville, Cambodia before returning to Laem Chabang on Monday, 6 August 2012.

Thai company Eastime Shipping Limited has teamed up with Profit Summit Deluxe Cruise Limited, a Chinese cruise ship operator, to run the service twice weekly, departing from Laem Chabang on Mondays and Fridays at 6:00 p.m.

TAT Governor Mr Suraphon Svetasreni said, “The TAT is delighted that the MV Ocean Dream offers a great new option for travellers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Gulf of Thailand while offering a different perspective on Ko Samui and an introduction to the joys of Cambodia. It also highlights Thailand’s convenient location and marine transportation facilities in the heart of the ASEAN region. Thailand’s readiness in terms of transportation links and facilities, when combined with creative ideas in tourism, certainly will benefits all countries in the region.”

The 20,000 ton MV “Ocean Dream” offers passengers a full selection of luxury cruise ship amenities on its nine decks, including choice restaurants, clubs featuring a variety of entertainment, a swimming pool, a casino, a movie theatre, a shopping gallery and Internet access. The ship’s 420 cabins accommodate 1,060 passengers. The cost for the 4-day, 3-night Gulf of Thailand cruise is 11,000 Baht per person.

For more information, or to book your tickets for the MV Ocean Dream, please call:
“Ocean Dream” Pattaya Office
Eastime Shipping Limited
75/60-61 Moo 10 Sukhumvit Road, Tugsukla, Sriracha, Chonburi, 10900 Thailand
Mobile: +66 (0) 90 105 1050, and (0) 90 105 1051
Telephone: +66 (0) 3849 1099, (0) 3849 1100
Fax: +66 (0) 3849 2616
Web site (in Chinese): www.ocean-dream.cn

Tourism Authority of Thailand Supports the 13th World Gourmet Festival to be held September 3-9, 2012

on 06 August 2012.

Tourism Authority of Thailand supports the 13th World Gourmet Festival to be held September 3-9, 2012

Welcoming chefs, winemakers and food experts from around the globe for a celebration of great cuisine and wine

Bangkok, August 6, 2012 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is an official sponsor of the 13th annual World Gourmet Festival, organized by the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, set to take place at the hotel from September 3 to 9, 2012.

Since its inception, the Festival has grown in prominence to feature an extraordinary lineup of some of the best chefs, winemakers and food experts from across the globe, all under one roof for a week-long celebration of outstanding food and superb wines.

Chefs currently confirmed to participate are:

• Shiqin Chen, La Rei, Il Boscareto, Piedmont, Italy
• Igor Macchia, La Credenza, Piedmont, Italy
• Michael Mina, Michael Mina Restaurants, USA
• Masa Shimakawa, ONYX, California, USA
• Frédéric Vardon, LE 39V, Paris, France
• Victor Quintilla, Lluerna, Barcelona, Spain
• Galvin Lim, Les Amis, Singapore
• Diego Irrera, 1884 Restaurante, Argentina

Also confirmed to participate in World Gourmet Festival events are Master of Wine Jeannie Cho Lee, who will be conducting a wine masterclass, Eleveur de Fromage Jean-Francois Antony, who will be hosting cheese-tasting events, and a cigar and rum-pairing event with Patoro Cigars and Eastory Rums.

Once again this year, the World Gourmet Festival is proud to support HRH Princess Soamsawali’s Save A Child’s Life from AIDS Project under the auspices of the Thai Red Cross Society. A portion of every ticket price, as well as proceeds from an auction, will be donated to this charity.

More to Come

More chefs will be announced in the coming weeks, and all the latest updates and further information about this year's festival will be available at www.worldgourmetfestivalbangkok.com as well as Facebook and Twitter

For further information, please contact International Public Relations Division, TAT

Tourism Authority of Thailand Researches Ways to Sharpen “Thainess” Campaign Imagery

on 27 July 2012.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Researches Ways to Sharpen “Thainess” Campaign Imagery

Bangkok July 27, 2012 - A broad-based destination image research study conducted across 14 countries by the Tourism Authority of Thailand has provided clear pointers on ways to sharpen the imagery and message of the country’s upcoming “Thainess” tourism campaigns.

Approved at the TAT’s annual Action Plan meeting in July 2012, the “Thainess” campaigns will highlight unique selling propositions such as Thai boxing, Thai cuisine, Thai health & wellness, Thai culture and heritage and many other such characteristics of the country’s identity.

Thailand has a broad range of products in each of these categories nationwide, and the TAT feels that they need to be given greater prominence as part of the marketing mix.

As all the categories of the “Thainess” campaigns lend themselves to powerful imagery, the research study was designed to identify the “trigger points” that will convince the potential visitors to move from “looking” to “booking.”

The countries included Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, United States, United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, South Korea, India, Russia, Germany, Sweden, and Italy. A total sample of 3,000 were surveyed including both those who were first time or repeat visitors.

The study used secondary and primary data and both quantitative and qualitative surveys. Interviews conducted included a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including Thais and foreigners, working both in and out of the industry.

TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said, “The most important factor in the advertising message always has been the quality of the imagery. But with the many changes taking place these days, both the content and means of delivery of those images had to be re-examined within the context of our “Thainess” campaign strategies.”

He noted that some target groups felt attracted by a “story-telling” strategy. Others favoured a more static approach or responded to powerful images delivered via mobile devices. In all instances, the response differed depending on such factors as gender, age, location and the number of times the potential customers had visited Thailand.

“We found that some of the traditional perceptions of Thailand were still strong, such as those related to fun, excitement, good service, and hospitality,” Mr. Suraphon said. “This works well when trying to attract the family market, for example. Other images may need to be reinforced in other ways.”

He added, “Altogether, it has been an interesting and challenging exercise. We became much more aware of how the world is changing and the constant need to keep up with these changes in order to maintain visitor flows.”

New Tourism Authority of Thailand Research Provides Insights into Five Key European Markets

on 27 July 2012.

New Tourism Authority of Thailand Research Provides Insights into Five Key European Markets

Bangkok, July 25, 2012 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has carried out a broad-based consumer research study in five key European markets in order to better understand how they perceive Thailand and what “buttons” need to be pressed to maintain visitor flows.

The five markets are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Together they comprised a total of 2,364,437 visitor arrivals in 2011, up 5.35 % over 2010. (See details in chart below)

TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said, “We felt it was time to refresh our own ideas and perceptions of what the new generation of travellers think about Thailand and its desirability as a destination for holidays, business or MICE events. Many things are changing these days, including demographics, technologies and income levels. There is also considerable competition from both new and emerging destinations.

“Although the European markets are generally doing well, and we will maintain a strong marketing presence across Europe, this study was designed to help us better target our future marketing efforts so that we continue to target the right customers with the right product at the right price at the right time. A more targeted approach will help us make cost-effective use of our budgets in these challenging times,” the Governor said.

Focused on new customers from the five countries who have never visited Thailand, the study showed that the awareness levels of Thailand differed from country to country.

Said Mr Suraphon, “The survey was designed to probe details about their intentions to visit Thailand in future, competitive analysis with other destinations, booking patterns, price sensitivity and other such critical decision-making criteria. We found that we can no longer adopt a common strategy across all countries. We need to adopt a specific strategy for each country to reflect on the nature of the population, level of awareness of Thailand, and the unique characteristics of each market.”

For example, it was found that more than half of the survey respondents and interviewees from the United Kingdom, France and Germany know Thailand reasonably well in terms of geographical location and are aware of some of its iconic tourism products such as culture and cuisine. On the other hand, the awareness levels were lower in Italy and Netherlands, especially in terms of the tourism products.

In the UK market, it was found that the cost of travel and Thai cultural heritage are important factors in the decision-making process. Also word-of-mouth marketing was important.

In France, it was found that the awareness levels of Thailand were high and that visitors had a greater propensity to make their own bookings rather than use a travel agent. They also have longer booking periods than the UK market.

In Germany, it was found that China was a more desirable destination in Asia than Thailand. German travellers are also becoming more inclined towards direct-bookings and often plan their trips six months in advance.

In Italy, Thai tourism marketing campaigns will have to focus more on awareness-building and use the travel agents to influence consumer decision-making.

In the Netherlands, there was greater awareness of Indonesia, a former Dutch colony. Hence, it was felt that Thailand needed to stress its own beautiful beaches and the “Thainess” factor to attract stopover traffic.

Said the Governor, “We learned a lot from the research and will be happy to share it with our friends and partners in order to help them improve their own marketing strategies for Thailand.”

Tourist arrivals to Thailand from the five European countries in the research study, 2010-2012:

thailand arrivals Jan-June2010-2012 2

Source: Immigration Bureau, Police Department

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