Bangkok, 04 December, 2018 – Thailand has been declared the Best Destination in the Asia-Pacific by the Irish Travel Trade News Awards 2018.
The 27th Irish Travel Trade Awards were presented on 23 November, 2018, in seven categories: Airlines, Destinations, Sea Transport, Land Transport, Travel Agency Services, Tour Operators, and All Companies. Thailand won the Best Destination in the Asia-Pacific award, ahead of Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Ireland has a small population of 6.6 million people, but a high rate of per capita travel, with 6.3 million outbound trips. The most popular destinations outside Europe are the USA, Canada and Thailand.
In 2017, Thailand received 51,168 Irish visitors, up by 1.54%, generating an estimated 3.3 billion Baht, up by 3.47%.
Although there are no direct flights from Dublin to Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand works with numerous airline partners to route visitors through London and points in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Between 22-23 November, the TAT London Office met local tourism operators to market Thailand’s niche markets; such as, family holidays, weddings and honeymoons, and health and wellness.
TAT also has an elaborate online training and educational programme for Irish travel agents to keep them updated with new products and services.
The Irish Travel Trade News has been hosting the Irish Travel Trade Awards for over 26 years. The Gala Dinner ceremony is attended by more than 350 industry leaders.