Isan to be highlight of TAT 2011 domestic campaigns

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Great plan but what about Buriram?.... 

Isan to be highlight of TAT 2011 domestic campaigns
Published: 10/01/2011 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: Business  

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects domestic trips to the Northeast will rise by 11% this year to 20 million with revenue of 43 billion baht, up from 18 million trips generating 40 billion baht last year.

The prediction is based on a better economy and aggressive promotion campaigns by the agency and private operators, said Thawatchai Arunyik, deputy governor for domestic marketing.

"We plan to emphasise tourism in Isan among local tourists. The trend of cultural tourism is gaining popularity domestically and there are several tourist attractions in this part of Thailand," he said.

The TAT will promote two main routes: worshipping relics of Lord Buddha in Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Kalasin and Khon Kaen; and travelling along the Mekong River in Loei, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Ratchathani.

Its promotion budget for the Northeast is 70 million baht this year, up from 60 million last year.

The agency will hold the Amazing Isan Fair 2011 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from Jan 27-30. It projects 60,000 visitors will spend 3 million baht, up from 2.6 million baht at the previous fair.

"Everyone knows about som tam (papaya salad), but many people still don't know the real tourist attractions in the Northeast and it has a lot of interesting places and cultures," said Apichirt Intharapongpan, director of the TAT's Northeastern office.

"Many officials in these areas lack the management skills and know-how to promote their tourist attractions."

For international travellers, insufficient facilities and long distances between attractions have been seen as drawbacks.

However, the TAT has made some improvements, and many companies now offer package tours to the region. In particular, Chiang Khan district in Loei and Wang Nam Khieo in Nakhon Ratchasima are becoming better known among international tourists.