Card makes miraculous recovery

BANGKOK, 12 September 2012: Association of Thai Travel Agents says the Miracle Thailand Card should help to attract more international tourists to the country after a shaky start last March.

ATTA public relations, Adit Chairattananont, who is responsible for the Miracle Thailand Card, told TTR Weekly that despite a wobbly launch earlier this year the new card project will eventually have a strong impact in international markets.

“Despite its launch 22 March sales have just started to pick up last month due to difficulties securing discounts from sponsors and finalising the agreements  took more time than anticipated,” he explained.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding, 22 March, with Krungthai Bank to issue the Miracle Thailand Card, a special debit card for foreign visitors to Thailand.

ATTA is assisting with the promotion of the debit cards through its travel agency members to reach bona-fide tourists before they arrive in Thailand.

“So far, the feedback from association members has been fine…however, we need to give more information on processing so they can help to promote the card to their clients overseas.”

Mr Adit cited: “Asia travellers were the main target market particularly India, China, Vietnam and Indonesia.”

However, there has been no reports so far on how many cards the association sold through its members.

The Miracle Thailand Card reduces the need for travellers to carry cash during their holiday in the Kingdom. They buy the card and deposit up to Bt30,000 cash in a linked ATM account.

It will also offers extra value in the form of discounts at leading shopping malls and tourist spots, as well as medical and life insurance cover in the case of an accident.

The biggest benefit is the life insurance cover for foreigner tourists. If there is a fatal accident, the family or next of kin will receive compensation of Bt1 million from the insurance firm underwriting the card project.

The card will also include a seven-day personal accident insurance of up to Bt10,000 for outpatient treatment and Bt500,000 for inpatient treatment.

“If tourists are involved in an accident they can present the card at any of 260 participating hospitals across the country.”

It will also function as a debit card allowing travellers to purchase items up to the limit of cash in the account supporting the card.

ATTA is also the distribution partner help to promote the card through its 1,237 members.

Meanwhile, a Krungthai Bank’s Marketing Strategy Department official told TTR Weekly that 30,000 cards had been sold to international travellers. No details of the ATTA related sales were given.

“Since the start of the campaign in March, the life and accident insurance cover attracted the most interest followed by the shopping discounts linked to the card.”

Japanese and Chinese were the main card customers, the source said.

“Because of the positive feedback, we will expand the card’s use to delegates attending events (meetings, incentives conventions and exhibitions) including spa and medical markets next year.”

Travellers can use the Miracle Thailand Card to buy goods and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in Thailand without service fees. Special discounts will be offered of 5% to 70% when using the Miracle Thailand Card at leading shopping malls and tourist spots such as The Mall, Emporium, Siam Paragon, Paradise Park, MBK Centre, King Power Duty Free, Siam Park, Siam Niramit, and Safari World.

Travellers can purchase the card when they arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at the ATTA counter,  Krungthai Bank Currency Exchange booths or the Tourism Authority of Thailand offices nationwide.

The basic card costs Bt100 and Bt50 only for ATTA members who sell it on to travellers. The card is valid for use from now until 31 December 2012, but there are plans to extend the card beyond based on feedback from the market.

The Miracle Thailand Card comes under the government’s Miracle Thailand Year project that also ends this December.

Sourced: ttrweekly