Thainess unveiled at ATF

BANGKOK  – The new national tourism-promotion campaign “2015 Discover Thainess” was unveiled for the ASEAN countries, Tuesday, during the 34th edition of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2015, between 22-29 January, 2015, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
ASEAN countries are expected to be among the top sources of visitor arrivals in 2015 as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) comes into force end of this year. will Also there is valuable travel movements to Thailand through the border-crossings with Malaysia, Myanmar, Lao PDR. and Cambodia for both trade and tourism.
The “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign highlights the country’s famed hospitality, respect for others and laid-back charm even it the country’s urban destinations.
The concept also spotlights creative tourism under which tourists can experience the Thai way of life, Thai culture and hands-on Thai activities; such as, Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, and Thai classical dance.
Inside no6This year, TAT pushing travel to secondary destinations:
Northeast: Buriram and Loei – Loei is close to the border with Thailand’s neighbour, Lao PDR., while Buriram is on the border with Cambodia. Visitors can now drive across both borders.
North: Phetchabun, Lampang, and Nan: These provinces are important stopovers on the route to Chiang Mai in North Thailand.
East: Chanthaburi and Trat: These are also emerging provinces close to the border with Cambodia. Visitors can now drive across the border to Cambodia.
South: Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chumphon: These provinces in Southern Thailand boast beautiful beaches and wonderful new boutique hotels.
Inside no6-1 Inside no6-2Central: Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi: These are culturally-rich provinces on the route to the popular seaside resort of Cha-am/Hua Hin.
In addition it is promoting the Golden Kinship Celebration in February and the Muay Thai Festival in March.
Thailand is represented by 86 exhibitors, the second largest contingent after host country Myanmar. A “Thai Night” will take place Thursday at the Grand Amara Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.
In 2014, Thailand welcomed 24.77 million international visitors, well down on targets but this year tourism should improve to generate 28 million.
Around 6.6 million arrivals were from ASEAN or 26.72% of the total market share.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “We believe intra-regional travel will be one of the primary growth areas after the ASEAN Economic Community takes effect. It will open up many opportunities to build upon Thailand’s geographical advantage at the heart of the 10-member community.”

sourced:ttrweekly.com