The focus of this year’s Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) was clear – that Thailand is a safe haven once again for visitors. The popular destination has been battling political woes since January 2014, and was recently placed under martial law with a late night curfew to maintain peace in the nation. Even as agents were building business ties at TTM+, the curfew was lifted for popular tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket.
Addressing the global media present at the Mart, Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that the tourist arrival numbers are not on track as a resukt of the coup, and the destination has noted a 5 per cent dip in footfall. However, TAT does still hope to touch 13 million Foreign Tourists Arrivals (FTA) by 2015, notching an earning of THB 2.2 trillion.
“We had originally projected 25.6 million FTAs for 2014, but the coup has lowered our numbers to popular destinations such as Bangkok and Koh Samui, denting these projections. We have requested special packages to increase footfall to the country, and if extra budgets are sanctioned we will increase promotions to fuel inbound tourism as well,” he added.
Arunyik further revealed that the Tourism Authority is working with Thai Airways to increase tourism numbers, and is even in talks with a popular singer to perform in Thailand in a bid to showcase the destination’s safety. TAT is also working closely with the National Council to the same end.
“As national security is an issue we cannot ease visas to encourage tourism. However, we are mooting free visas for certain markets. The China market, one of our strongest, has suffered the most, and we are working with the Chinese authorities to bring in about 100,000 tourists to Thailand. We have also recommended special budgets for insurance. The move is under consideration,” he said.
India, Thailand’s sixth largest market, dipped by 14.7 per cent in Q1 2014. However, in April 2014, the numbers improved to show a footfall of 72,000, only a 4 per cent dip over the same period last year.
Speaking with the Indian media on the sidelines of the event, Jamnong Junnapiya, Executive Director, ASEAN South Asia and South Pacific Region Department, TAT mentioned five big projects to fuel tourism from the country: A consortium with travel agents; online promotions; Radio programmes; film shootings; and B2B roadshows.
Considering East India as one of Thailand’s stronger markets in the country, Thailand also plans promotions during the Durga Puja festival, and further intends to increase flight frequencies o n Thai Airways by two flights a week between Kolkata and Bangkok from 2 August 2014.
TTM+ took place earlier this month at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Convention and Exhibition Centre in Bangkok, and welcomed an Indian contingent of 17 hosted buyers.
