Recovery Programme for the Flood Situation in Thailand

A range of strategies, activities, and projects are being discussed amongst the private and public sectors as well as in cooperation with government agencies responsible for rebuilding the affected areas and rehabilitating other business and economic sectors.

TAT Governor Mr Suraphon Svetsreni said, "As travel and tourism has now become a truly nationwide industry, it gets affected by any kind of unforeseen problems, and natural disasters are the most unpredictable. However, now that the floods are on the wane, we are moving quickly with recovery campaigns to help resume the flow of both domestic and foreign visitors."

The TAT's post-flood recovery project comprises of the following:

1. Plan to help entrepreneurs: TAT and private sector groups will organise a travel trade fair and consumer fair in four major areas; such as, Nakhon Ratchasima, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and the Central Region between December 2010 and February 2011. The exact locations and dates are now being finalized.

2. Adjust the scope and guidelines for the Loi Krathong grand festival to be held during November 19 - 21, 2010, in 8 areas.

3. Bring 160 representatives of local media and travel agents from various Asian markets to join the China International Travel Mart (CITM) and also take the opportunity to bring media and travel agents to visit the Hat Yai Lantern Festival. Operators and media from the four states of Malaysia will be invited to Thailand specificially in order to revive Malaysian visitors to South Thailand. TAT will work with Thai AirAsia and Silk Air to create special promotional packages.

4. Invite over 300 representatives of Spanish tourism associations and tour operators to Thailand in December 2010. Strong recovery efforts were also made at the World Travel Mart in the UK during November 8 - 11, 2010, by presenting the concept of "Triple V" (Value, Variety and Very Thai) under the umbrella of the "Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You" campaign.

5. Plan to organise the World Tourism Awards 2011 for the Asia-Pacific market. The World Sports Destination Exhibition and other important tourism conferences will be organised next year, potentially attracting thousands of participants.

6. Organize a Fam Trip for 20 domestic agents to Hat Yai to experience the current situation that returned to normal during November 19 - 21, 2010.

7. Work with FETTA to organize a Fam Trip by December 2010. TAT will also help Chiang Mai and the northern provinces by organizing fam trips and bringing tour operators from the central region to participate in the Chiang Mai Tourism Forum during December 1 - 4, 2010.

8. Use online channels to communicate with tour operators and the media via the website www.tourismthailand.org: News updates and special promotions will be published on www.thailandhappinessdeals.com. All special tourism packages and prizes will be published on these websites to help bring back visitors, both domestic and foreign.

In addition, the TAT will also organise the following activities to attract visitors:

1. Hat Yai Lantern Festival and Hat Yai Ice Dome: November 1, 2010 - April 30, 2011 in Hat Yai, Songkhla.

2. 17th World Chinese Badminton Championship: November 19-21, 2010, Pattaya.

3. Loi Krathong Festival: November 21, 2010, all regions in Thailand.