Value for money Thailand

BERLIN  Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, reminded European tour operators that the country remains the best value-for-money destination in Asia for European travellers, during a presentation at last week’s ITB.
Speaking at an ITB networking lunch, attended by 140 members of the European travel trade, the minster said: “We realise the current economic impact has affected all of us… But Thailand remains the best value-for-money destination in Asia for European visitors, both in terms of money and experience.”
Presenting an overview of improvements made to Thailand’s tourism products she emphasised increased connectivity with neighbouring ASEAN countries, and how the “Thainess” campaign would help to maintain the kingdom’s image and competitive advantage.
“Thailand has faced a very challenging 2014, but I am glad to report that visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 24,779,768. A turnaround in the fourth quarter of 2014 has gained strength, and the significant growths have continued in January and February 2015.”
inside no 10“In 2015, TAT has set a target of 28 million international visitors with an estimated revenue of 36.4 billion Euros (THB1.35 trillion).”
At this year’s ITB, 106 Thai tourism operators were either present in the Thailand pavilion, or close by in clusters of booths that extended the country’s presence.
Specially designed to present “Thainess,” the Thai pavilion featured a number of cultural shows to underscore the promotional campaign.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said: “Thailand’s Pavilion was designed and decorated in a modern style but still exuded a unique “Thainess” character. It also featured cultural shows and Thai spa and massage demonstrations.”
The “Thainess” campaign highlights the concept of creative tourism that focuses on experiencing the Thai way of life, Thai culture and hands-on Thai activities; such as, Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, and Thai classical dance.
This year’s niche-market targets are wedding and honeymoons, green tourism, gastronomy tourism, shopping, and sports tourism.
inside no 10.1Special events were staged to promote increasingly popular bicycle tours, Muay Thai or Thai boxing, yacht cruises and night cruises.
In 2014, European visitor arrivals totalled 6.15 million, generating 11.45 billion Euros (THB420.86 billion).
Germany is Thailand’s third highest source market from Europe. It generated 717,631 German visitors, a small decline from 2013 (-2.7%).
In 2013, German visitors had an average length of stay of 17.8 days and daily expenditure per person of 100 Euros (THB3,710). This was one of the highest average length of stay of all nationalities. Cumulatively, German visitors generated tourism income of 1.29 billion Euros (THB47.87 billion).
After the ITB Berlin, TAT organised a special promotional roadshow in France covering Lyon, Marseille, and Nice through to 12 March.

sourced:ttrweekly.com