Turquoise Holidays joins forces with The TAT to promote eco-holidays with the help of The Pocket Elephant

Tug the baby elephant and an anxious schoolboy called Max take centre stage of a new children's story, The Pocket Elephant' written to promote Thailand to the family market in a campaign commissioned by specialist family holiday tour operator, The Turquoise Holiday Company in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Tug and Max come to life in a new 60-page paperback book created exclusively for Turquoise by acclaimed children's author Abi Elphinstone and hugely talented illustrator, Jess Grant. The book tells the story of the painfully shy, unconfident little boy and his well-travelled Grampy Joe, who inspires Max's dream of an adventure across Thailand's turtle-filled beaches, lush jungles, charming hill tribe villages and vibrant cities, and above all with a lost little elephant who brings out Max's great gift of all – kindness - as he overcomes his fears to return little Tug to the safety of his family. The beautifully illustrated book will be printed and available to order directly through Turquoise, or two of the leading UK family publications, Conde Nast Traveller and Family Traveller Magazine from late May.

The Turquoise Holiday Company hopes that their campaign will educate agents and travellers about the Asian elephant population in Thailand including the sensitive subject of conservation often overlooked by holiday companies. A percentage of revenue generated from bookings made through the campaign will be donated by The Turquoise Holiday Company to the Elephant Family charity, an NGO which strives to conserve and protect the threatened Asian Elephant population through projects such as the creation of elephant corridors, and empowering local experts to support sustainable elephant programmes across Asia.

The elephant conservation theme is also reflected by The Turquoise Holiday Company's latest swimwear partner, Love Brand & Co, who responsibly produces 'trunks for trunks' meaning that Dads, boys and tots can strut that their stuff in trendy beachwear safe in the knowledge that even their fashion sense is contributing to saving the Asian elephant population. All Turquoise guests will be given voucher codes for a pair of Love Brand trunks as a gift when they book holiday to Thailand before 28 July 2017. Trunks for trunks will also be available as giveaways via Turquoise's social media platforms throughout June and July.

Turquoise aims to grow its overall visitors to Thailand by 10% on the back of the campaign, with a revenue target of over £2 million for departures by the end of 2017. The luxury family market was the fastest growing market for Turquoise Holidays in 2016 and continues to be the major focus of their marketing for Thailand. The luxury family market makes up approximately 30% of Turquoise's overall mix of 3000 visitors per annum with an average spend of £13,000 per family.
Thailand is one of The Turquoise Holiday Company's best-selling family holiday destinations, with superb nature experiences and wildlife safaris, as well as their pick of the best beach and city resorts, floating lake and jungle camps and island hideaways. Turquoise has devised a new, comprehensive family holiday guide to Thailand giving a taster of their top picks for accommodation and lots of adventure itineraries combining beach, city, the colourful cultural triangle, and of course sustainable elephant experiences.

James Bell, managing director of Turquoise Holidays, says: "Thailand is the ultimate family holiday destination - an exotic playground for active nature-loving families looking for more than just a fly and flop beach holiday. We have handpicked a selection of exciting family-friendly hotels, resorts and activities which we know will deliver an authentic experience and outstanding service for our clients. Our itineraries are 100% tailor made and with direct flights from London leaving daily, the Turquoise team is adept at arranging holidays to fit around different school holidays, work schedules, and everything else mums and dads have to contend with these days. Our partnership with The Elephant Family is one which we are very excited to start and hope that we can contribute towards them continuing their amazing work in Thailand."

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