TAT outlines domestic plan

BANGKOK  Tourism Authority of Thailand has outlined five key projects to boost Thailand’s domestic tourism in 2016.
Speaking at TAT’s Domestic Marketing Plan 2016 presentation, Monday, TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing, Anupharp Thirarath, said the Discover Thainess concept would continue with five key projects to encourage domestic travel next year.
The first project will be the hosting of the Thailand Tourism Festival 2016.
“The event gained good feedback from visitors…it was held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, in January, attracted 600,000 residents compared to 190,000 in 2014 when it was held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani,” he said.
inside no 4 Anupharp Thirarath
Anupharp Thirarath
“The event presents tourism, food, souvenirs and related products showcasing each province…some are new so they can attract travellers.”
Thailand Tourism Festival 2016 will take place, 13 to 17 January, 2016, at Lumpini Park in Bangkok.
The second project focuses on 12 must-visit destinations by adding another 12 destinations to the 12 destinations promoted this year.
He said: “TAT aims to promote another 12 secondary destinations that connect to the first 12 venues that tourists should not miss.”
They are: Lamphun, Phrae, Phitsanulok, Chaiyaphum, Surin, Suphanburi, Nakhon Pathom, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Ranong, Satun and Phattalung.
The first campaign is on-going this year and promotes provinces such as Lampang, Nan, Phetchaburi, Loei, Buri Ram, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chumphon, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The third project is Wan Thammada Na Tiew campaign (travel on weekdays).
He said: “This project will encourage Thais to take time off and travel during the week. Only 20% of Thais book hotel rooms on weekdays. We need to change this and open a new market possibly seniors and those who are self-employed.”
TAT has asked hotels and resorts to offer mid-week packages.
The deputy governor stressed: “Next year, TAT will not support private organisations that host events on weekends. We will encourage them to offer weekday programme or at least include one weekday on the programme such as from Thursday to Saturday, Friday to Sunday or Sunday to Tuesday.”
“Weekday programme will focus on retirees, seniors, freelance workers, students and people who work from home. The trend is expected to boost tourism, food and souvenir sectors.”
TAT aims to increase Thai spending next year from the current THB4,200 per day, per head to THB4,330, he said.
Of the five key projects, two are new campaigns to tighten the authority domestic marketing strategy.
He said: “For next year, TAT will add two new projects — Outdoor Fest and Khao Lao Wa — to offer more variety.”
The Outdoor Fest is an event to present golf, diving, fishing, canoeing, camping, biking, and bird watching as well as related outdoor activities.
inside no 4.1The outdoor event will coincide with the Wan Thammada Na Tiew (Travel on Weekdays Festival), 12 to 15 May 2016 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to boost travel on weekdays and green season.
Khao Lao Wa (Someone said) is a campaign to promote 24 destinations known for their legends, or urban myths.
“This new campaign will be the 2016 highlight to promote Thailand tourism and offer new experiences to travellers to explore the country…the project is expanded from the Dream Destination campaign.”
He cited: “The campaign focuses on high spending markets such as seniors, ladies, Gen Y (age 18 to 35) and DINKS (Double Income No Kid).”
The 24 destinations are:
North
Su Tong Pae Bridge in Mae Hong Son town
Pha Bong Siam Gate, Doi Pha Tang in Wiang Kaen district, Chiang Rai
Wonderful Mountain of Columnar in Wang Chin district, Phrea
Muang Lab-Lare in Lab Lare district, Uttaradit
Ku Chang Ku Ma in Lamphun town
Central
Ang Thong worship monks: Luang Phor Sodh of Wat Chantharangsri in the province town; Great Buddha of Thailand of Wat Muang Monastery; and reclining Buddha of Wat Khun Inthapramun
Khao Wong Phrachan in Khok Samrong district, Lop Buri
Chachoengsao: Thailand’s largest reclining Ganesha (Phra Pikkanet) at Wat Samanratanaram; standing Ganesha at Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park; and sitting Ganesha at Wat Phrong Akat
The tallest bronze Buddha image at Wat Thipsukontharam, Huai Krachao district in Kanchanaburi
Northeast
Hat Chom Dao beach in Na Tan district, Ubon Ratchathani
Phaya Khan Khak Museum (Frog Museum) in Yasothon town
Pha ya Nak shrine in Mukdahan town
Phu Tok in Sriwilai disrtict, Bueng Kan
Indigo dry clothes of Sakon Nakhon and Udon Thani
The Brutal Buddhist Ordination Parade in Ban Non Salao village, Chaiyaphum
East
Asadang Bridge and Chong Isariyapron (Chong Khao Khad), Si Chang Island, Si Chang district, Chonburi
Black Sand beach, Laem Ngop district, Trat
Tung Prong Thong Golden Mangrove Field in Klaeng district, Rayong
Toei Ngam Beach, Sattahip district, Chonburi
South
Golden Dragon Beach in Satun town
Katyayana (Phra Add) image of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province town
Khao Ngon Nak Mountain (Dragon Crest Mountain) in Krabi town
Chaloem Phrakiat 80 Phansa Bridge, Khuan Khanun district, Phattalung
Phu Pha Phet Cave in Manang district, Satun
To boost domestic tourism and support thee AEC era, the deputy governor called for the government to focus on border tourism particularly self-drive travel using Thailand as a gateway to connect to neighbouring countries.
TAT projects domestic tourism could reach 148 million trips and generate THB800,000 million in 2015.
“It is possible that by this year-end we will achieve 144 million domestic trips and circulate THB746,935 million in revenue. However, if we encourage Thais to travel more the ambitious 2015 projection could be achieved,” he said.
For 2016, TAT targets domestic tourists will reach 150.8 million trips (+4%) and generate THB807,000 (+8.%) in tourism revenue. The percentage growth is based on 2015 possible projection.

sourced:ttrweekly.com