Huge discounts at Youth Ecotourism show, Bangkok 1-4 May

Discounts and special deals will abound at the International Youth and Ecotravel Mart 2003 to be held between May 1-4, 2003, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Dozens of companies specialising in products and services for the youth travel market will be exhibiting at the show, which will be open from 10.00hrs. - 20.00 hrs on each of the four days. Exhibitors will include accommodation (hotels, resorts and international youth hostels), travel agents, eco and adventure tourism operators, camping gear, attraction  tourist destinations, language institutions, airlines, technology companies, cruise operators, media and other companies specialising in golf and sporting events.

Activities planned alongside include seminars on ecotourism for youth travelers, acrobatic and cultural shows, etc. More than 50,000 visitors are expected with a projected business turnover of 50 million baht.

TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Mr. Santichai Euachongprasit, said TAT has provided an area of 4,000 square metres specially for promoting domestic tourism. The Association of Domestic Travel Operators is using  the space to assist its members gain maximum exposure for the range of discounts and deals that will be available.

Mr Santichai said, "There are still a few weeks left before the schools reopen after the summer holidays. This would be a good time to enjoy a holiday. Travelling within the country is a wonderful way to experience new places  and also help the people living in provincial Thailand."

Thailand is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for young people from abroad. In 2002, arrivals of children under 15 totalled 505,051, visitors in the 15-24 age group totalled 1,047,286, and 25-34 age group  totalled 2,830,547.

The arrivals numbers are expected to get another major boost after the World Youth and Student Travel Convention is held in Pattaya between October 12-18, 2003. The World Scouts Jamboree held between December  2002 and January 2003, attended by more than 10,000 young people and family members, has also raised interest in Thailand and will lead to more repeat traffic in the future.

Mr Santichai said, "Young people are travelling more than ever these days. Youth travel is also a major priority target in the TAT marketing plans  because of its links to the family market, educational institutions and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business."

At the show, the Royal Thai Military will be displaying its adventure tour programme. There will also be an artificial cliff climbing wall, a shooting gallery, demonstration of jungle survival skills and displays commemorating the 50th anniversary of the conquest of Mount Everest.

A number of lectures will be organised alongside on environmental issues. Young visitors will also be able to sign up for registration of privilege cards like the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and International Youth Hotel Card (IYHC) that will enable them to get special travel discounts both within Thailand and abroad.