Tat And Thai Airways In Joint Tourism Effort

[george]

TAT and Thai Airways in joint tourism effort

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Airways International (THAI) are joining hands by setting up a marketing unit to beat the tourism downturn and boost business long-term.

Wanchai Sarathoonthat, TAT chairman of the board, said the new unit, to be set up soon, would not only encourage tourism for the rest of this year but also in the long term.

The tourism market is facing a tough situation due to many negative factors, particularly an increase in operation costs, the economic slowdown and political unrest.

THAI has already lost close to Bt7 billion during the first six months while TAT is worrying about missing its target of 15 million tourist arrivals for the year.

"Over the next six months, TAT and THAI will initiate marketing promotion and campaigns both at home and overseas to boost the tourism sector," said Wanchai.

THAI is also considering reducing fuel surcharges as oil prices continue to fall.

TAT will join bidding to host international tourism conferences in Thailand. It plans to talk with event organisers in the UK, Australia and other countries.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn said both parties would revive the national campaign "Visit Thailand Year in 2009".

Phornsiri said TAT and THAI would combine their advertisement, corporate marketing campaigns and promotions. The deal could result in huge cost savings. TAT will also use its crisis communications centre as the centre of the working group.

TAT believes it could reach its tourism target of 15 million arrivals this year because advance bookings from Europe for the coming high season in the fourth quarter have reportedly increased by 10 per cent.

THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said the airline was already prepared for the high season by adding more flights to countries such as Russia.

-- The Nation 2008-08-21

[0Mix1up]

must be a horrible thing trying to promote tourism atm.

[khunjamespittman]

TAT and Thai Airways in joint tourism effort

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Airways International (THAI) are joining hands by setting up a marketing unit to beat the tourism downturn and boost business long-term.

Wanchai Sarathoonthat, TAT chairman of the board, said the new unit, to be set up soon, would not only encourage tourism for the rest of this year but also in the long term.

The tourism market is facing a tough situation due to many negative factors, particularly an increase in operation costs, the economic slowdown and political unrest.

THAI has already lost close to Bt7 billion during the first six months while TAT is worrying about missing its target of 15 million tourist arrivals for the year.

"Over the next six months, TAT and THAI will initiate marketing promotion and campaigns both at home and overseas to boost the tourism sector," said Wanchai.

THAI is also considering reducing fuel surcharges as oil prices continue to fall.

TAT will join bidding to host international tourism conferences in Thailand. It plans to talk with event organisers in the UK, Australia and other countries.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn said both parties would revive the national campaign "Visit Thailand Year in 2009".

Phornsiri said TAT and THAI would combine their advertisement, corporate marketing campaigns and promotions. The deal could result in huge cost savings. TAT will also use its crisis communications centre as the centre of the working group.

TAT believes it could reach its tourism target of 15 million arrivals this year because advance bookings from Europe for the coming high season in the fourth quarter have reportedly increased by 10 per cent.

THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said the airline was already prepared for the high season by adding more flights to countries such as Russia.

-- The Nation 2008-08-21

Does anyone know if the TAT and Thai Airways promotion will include any special air ticket prices to the US?

[donna]

bummmer of a job given the events of the past few days.

bali is picking up bookings from this already.

[a_classic_cigar]

bummmer of a job given the events of the past few days.

bali is picking up bookings from this already.

Hi Donna,

Agreed - Bali is the new hot spot destination now, Thaailand is seeing a major decline and TAT/THA as well as every other channel need to get a grip on the reality and make a positive move forward. Sure, the local situation is not helping the economy here, but they need to come up with something or get ready to pull trick out of the magic hat....

(Hotelier in Samui - who was fortunate to see Bali a few weeks back on sales calls..)