Thailand Travel Mart plus new strategy

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Thailand Travel Mart plus new strategy 
The Nation: 4 Jun 2009
TTM+2009
TAT asks foreign operators to keep selling Thailand
THE NATION Published on June 5, 2009


"Forget high-end travellers for now" was the message Tourism Authority of Thailand chairman Weerasak Kowsurat gave yesterday to 360 buyers from 51 countries participating in the "Thailand Travel Mart plus the Greater Mekong Subregion 2009", or "TTM+2009". At a meeting with representatives of hotel and tour operators, Weerasak asked them to maintain Thailand in their packages.

The "Amazing Thailand Amazing Value" campaign, which promises special rates, will be highlighted to boost the tourism sector in these difficult times, he said.

Weerasak said aside from value for money, Thailand was safe and that the government had pledged measures to revive the industry and reclaim tourists.

International arrivals have reportedly dropped by 30 per cent so far this year, due to the global economic downturn that reduced the number of high-end travellers, as well as political turbulence at home and the outbreak of type-A (H1N1) influenza.

While China and Japan have restricted outbound trips due to the flu, the continuing political conflict at home has forced many tour operators to stop selling packages for Thailand.

These factors pose risks to Thailand's dream of turning itself into a quality destination.
Travel operators say that only cheaper packages will help Thailand regain tourists at a time when hotels are operating with lower occupancy. In order to survive, some hotels are cutting room rates by 40-70 per cent, while others are offering one free night or additional services for paid stays of at least two nights.

Pridi Boonsue, vice president for Thai Airways International's Alliance and Royalty Management Department, said most airlines were being forced by tour operators to reduce |ticket prices to stimulate travel.

"Look around. Every airline is offering very low fares. This is the effect of the global economic downturn," he said.

Bangkok Airways is the latest carrier to launch a promotion, starting from Bt4,600 for a one-night stay on any domestic route, while the prices for international routes start at Bt4,900. These prices are valid for trips made by the end of next month.

More than 80 local tourism operators are taking part in TTM+2009. Running until Sunday, the event is expected to bring more tourists to the Kingdom in the second half of the year, particularly from new emerging markets such as Argentina, Turkey, Brazil, Romania and South Africa.

In order to help local operators, the Tourism Authority between next month and November. The agency expects 1,600 participants and hopes to enhance business knowledge, especially of online networking.

It also talked to operators at TTM+2009 about the outlook for Thai tourism, as well as introducing the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2009 and the 4th International Wax Sculpture Exhibition 2009.

Preservation of the environment for sustainable tourism is also a major topic at the event.