HIGH PROFILE FOR THAILAND AT WORLD TRAVEL MART 2000

A total of 64 Thai public and private hospitality and tourism-related organisations participated in the World Travel Market in London during November 13-16, 2000.

Led by the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand H.E. Mr. Adisai Bodharamik and TAT Governor Mr. Pradech Phayakvichien, the Thai delegation comprised of hotels, tour operators and other Thailand suppliers, all seeking to get a share of the UK outbound market, now the leading European country in generating visitor arrivals to Thailand.

The latest statistics for January-August 2000 show 309,445 UK visitors come to Thailand between January-August 2000, a solid increase of 12.99% over the 273,877 visitors in the same period of 1999. The target for 2000 is 470,000 visitors.

The 21st WTM 2000 was organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions Company at the Earl’s Court venue in London.

The event attracted a total of 5,156 tourism-related public and private agencies from 177 countries worldwide.

At the WTM 2000, TAT and the Tourism Ministry of Cambodia also launched their first co-operative marketing campaign, “Two Kingdoms One Destination”, to boost tourism flows to and between the two countries.

The two countries will use the campaign as their main joint- marketing theme to attract visitors by promoting five major tour routes: Bangkok - Phnom Penh, Pattaya - Phnom Penh, Bangkok - Siem Reap, Phuket - Siem Reap, and Sukhothai - Siem Reap.

The common theme will also see tour operators, airlines and public and private tourism-related organisations producing marketing collaterals and brochures, hosting trade shows and workshops, and organising familiarisation trips for travel agents and travel writers to the two Kingdoms.

Most Thai companies reported doing good business at the WTM 2000, citing the buoyant status of the UK economy, the strength of the UK pound plus the increase in flights by THAI Airways International to 10 services a week, as being among the main reasons supporting demand.

TAT has undertaken a number of new initiatives to further tap the UK market. These include:

Joint marketing and public relations campaigns between TAT and the tour operator Bridge of the World including direct marketing, classified and display advertising in the London Underground over the next three months.

TAT Governor Pradech said, “Thailand is stepping up its marketing efforts to increase its share of UK and European visitors to the Kingdom’s year-round attractions.”

He added, “We are happy to develop closer relations with all European tour companies to unveil our new tourism products and services. Golf, eco-tourism, deepwater diving and special packages for weddings and honeymooners will be our main products to maintain our competitive edge.”

“Our continued participation in the WTM has played a big role in the success of the Thai tourism industry. The extensive co-operation of THAI and the private sector also has been instrumental. We are optimistic that Thailand will enjoy continued growth in visitor arrivals from the UK and Europe in the coming years.“