Bangkok, 11 January, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai Office in cooperation with the Royal Thai Embassy Tehran and Mahan Air, hosted a familiarisation trip for 26 travel agents from Tehran and four social media influencers based in Iran in a bid to highlight Thailand as a Muslim and family friendly destination.
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Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said, “The Iran market is one of the most dynamic markets in our region. Iranian tourists in Thailand have shown an incredible development over last year. Based on a recent survey, Thailand still leads in the top ten for Iranian outbound travellers in terms of facilities; such as, hotel accommodation, theme and leisure parks, dining, shopping and general entertainment, a clear manifestation that Thailand is still on the top of the travel list of Iranians.”
Held during 4-12 January, 2016, the fam trip featuring Bangkok and Pattaya was organised in two batches with the 30 participants divided into two groups. The first batch was organised from 4-9 January, and the second phase is currently being held from 6-12 January.
Highlighted excursions have included the Cartoon Network Amazone theme park and Art in Paradise museum in Pattaya, and the floating market, a Chao Phraya River cruise and shopping experiences in Bangkok.
Participants from both groups also joined the TAT’s special buyers-meet-sellers session held on 8 January at The Landmark Bangkok, and met with more than 55 Thai tourism representatives from hotels, recreation and theme parks, and travel companies.
Mr. Chalermsak Suranant, TAT Dubai and Middle East Office Director said, “The fam trip forms part of TAT’s plans to promote Thailand as a Muslim friendly destination to the Iran market with highlights on luxury, family and couples activities. The activity also follows TAT’s on-going strategy to reaffirm the good image of Thailand as a top tourist destination.”
The Middle East, including Iran, remains an important source market for Thailand. From January – November 2015, the number of tourist arrivals from Iran reached 81,404, representing a year-on-year increase of almost 30 per cent.
Mr. Chalermsak said, “The Discover Thainess Campaign 2015, which highlights Muslim-friendly tours and activities is among TAT’s attempts to attract first-time and repeat visitors to explore Thailand’s new destinations. The 12 hidden-gems cities; namely Lampang, Phetchabun, Nan, Buri Ram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, Trang, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat, are among the recommended destinations for tourists to discover Thainess, the Thai way of life through people and culture.”
Accessibility to Thailand from Iran continues to grow with Mahan Air boosting flights to Bangkok to five times per week. The number of Iranian travellers to Thailand look set to grow further, especially in March, during ‘Norooz’ or the Iranian New Year.
At the same event, the Director of the TAT Dubai Office received a special plaque of recognition named the “Best Tourism Board Supporter” presented by Mahan Air along with the Top Three Best Seller of Bangkok from participating Iranian agents.
For further details, please contact:
TAT Dubai and Middle East Office
133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Apartment # 1804,
Dusit Thani Dubai, P.O. Box 450019, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 324 0184
Fax: +971 4 325 0187
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.TourismThailand-Middleast.org; www.TourismThailand.org
