Thailand steps up its presence at exhibition

Thailand by Karen Maxwell

Thailand steps up its presence at exhibition

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will have its biggest ever presence at World Travel Market this year.

Supported by a delegation of 64 hotels and other Thailand suppliers, the Thailand stand will occupy over 302sq metres within the Together In Asia stand.

Chris Lee, UK marketing and PR manager for TAT in London, said: “The size of the delegation is an indication of the importance of the UK market to Thai tourism and of the effectiveness of the show.”

Thailand still polls top position as the number one Asian destination from the UK.

November to March is Thailand’s high season, although arrivals for the month of June increased by 9.54% on 1999 figures.

Lee said: “We’re delighted to see such large numbers of people enjoying Thailand during May and June – traditionally the shoulder season. The UK is a price-led market and this time of year there are plenty of two-for-one hotel deals, plus the resorts are much quieter.”

Hot spot: Thailand is popular out of season

In touch with Thailand

Tourism Authority of Thailand is encouraging agents to experience the destination first hand at World Travel Market.

Throughout 2001 it hopes to accommodate 200 agents on a variety of fam trips. A 50-agent mega-fam in conjunction with British Airways Holidays will be the first early next year.

TAT has also compiled a Thailand brochure with Touchdown, offering specially priced holidays exclusively for travel industry staff. The brochure offers deals from £49 for four nights’ bed and breakfast in Nara Garden Beach Resort, to £329 for a week’s sailing around islands near Phuket. Chris Lee, UK marketing and PR manager for TAT in London, said: “By increasing fams and offering Touchdown deals, we hope to get more agents over to Thailand.”

NEWS FLASH

&#42 Thai Airways International will break away from the Together in Asia stand. David Cook, Thai Airways marketing manager for UK and Ireland, said: “We want more presence with our own identity. We still work with Tourism Authority of Thailand and don’t rule out joining forces again in the future.”