TAT to stay on course with Thailand Travel Mart 2014 Plus

[webfact]

TAT to stay on course with Thailand Travel Mart 2014 Plus
The Nation

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will go ahead with the Thailand Travel Mart 2014 Plus, the country's largest travel industry business-to-business event, from June 4-6 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said last week that in spite of the political situation, TAT is very pleased that many buyers and sellers are still assured to attend the event. This is a major vote of confidence in Thailand, the quality of its tourism products and services, and the determination of the travel trade to go on with business as usual.

The 13th TTM+2014 is designed to promote the tourism and service business in Thailand and its Greater Mekong Subregion counterparts. TTM+ buyers and media can also enjoy a full range of pre- and post-event tours showcasing Thailand's world-renowned natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and see first-hand that it is "business as usual" in Bangkok and Thailand.

This year's theme, "Experience with us", reflects the fact the leisure travel is shifting away from just recreational holidays to more experiential and fulfilling activities.

"Today's travellers want to 'experience' something new, learn something and satisfy a deeper need for participation, creativity, community and idealism. That is why TAT launched 'Thainess', our way of life as embodied in our culture, art, food and way of life," he said.

This year, the exhibition area is divided into two groups - product-based and leisure.

Four experiential Thainess products are being presented for the first time in one area - ecotourism, wedding and honeymoon, health and wellness, and experience Thainess products such as Thai boxing and Thai cooking classes.

Leisure products

The sellers of leisure products cover the normal range including hotels, tour operators, entertainment, transportation, golf courses, associations, National Tourism Organisations and travel services.

Of the 403 seller organisations registered, 77 per cent are repeat sellers while 23 per cent are new participants.

The 296 buyers from 46 countries are equally divided between first-time and repeat buyers. The top five major buyers by country are China (35), the United Kingdom (26), Australia (18), India (18), South Africa (16) and Japan (14).

About 44 per cent of buyers are from Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 24 per cent from Asean, South Asia and the South Pacific, 23 per cent from East Asia and 9 per cent from the American region.

TAT has invited buyers from major markets - Europe, Southeast Asia, East Asia, America and Australia - and new potential markets - East Europe, CIS, the Middle East, South America and South Africa. A special effort has been made to reach out to tour operators who plan to feature Thailand for the first time.

"In preparation for the Asean Economic Community in 2015, we also believe this is an excellent opportunity to promote many wonderful and emerging destinations and attractions in the provincial regions, especially in those areas bordering our Greater Mekong Subregion neighbours - Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar," he said.

An industry forum will be held on the topic of "Amazing Thailand - simplicity to luxury". Media briefings will be given by TAT, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Myanmar' Hotels and Tourism Ministry.


-- The Nation 2014-06-02

[clockman]

Time will tell!

[NongKhaiKid]

Experience Thainess. Are they trying to scare future tourists off ?

[stickyrice2000]

Travelers normally know where they want to take their vacation. The money that spent on TAT can be better used elsewhere.

[shirtless]

What planet are these guys on, Wrong time for a major investment in marketing, Its likened to an eat beef campaign while a mad cow scare is all over the news it has zero chance of changing perception,

Edited June 2, 2014 by metisdead
Bold font removed again.

[upena]

They should be promoting the Coup d'e TAT

[Lupatria]

I wonder if the TAT will ever be given in competent professional hands. They are over due to a serious reshuffle even to the costs of 100 inactive posts.

[hawker9000]

They should start with their new 'Dialing for Visas' game which will challenge eager tourists right from the moment they arrive! Coming, August 12th!

[emilymat]

Why miss a junket even after a coup?

[marko kok prong]

This should turn it all around,expect next week they will announce tourist figures up by 1 billion.

[Chao Lao Beach]

This should turn it all around,expect next week they will announce tourist figures up by 1 billion.

It is always entertaining seeing the TAT press releases.

[Payboy]

That is why TAT launched 'Thainess'

I always thought it was to compete with Scotland's Loch Ness.

[Jack Mountain]

Surprisingly, last week the China Airlines plane from AMS-BKK was completely full. But then i heard that they also carrying the passengers of a KLM flight and a 3rd airliner, so .... 1 third full then? or 2 third empty?

[bigbamboo]

For once I agree with TAT here. The 'political situation' is calmer than it's been for months now that the teachers have taken control of the playground back from the bully boys. Thais are nothing if not pragmatic and they can see that the only man who can run the country for now at least is Prayuth.

Edited June 2, 2014 by bigbamboo

[MobileContent]

The Thailand Travel Mart is mainly a B2B event where overseas tour operators are looking for Thai products. At the same time they get an idea of the current situation and they have a chance to negotiate down the prices or get better packages such as Book 5 nights and get 2 nights free.

My guess the TTM 2014 will be a success. I am not a great friend of the TAT but TAT only manages the event but the buyers and sellers have nothing really to do with the TAT and those buyers and sellers generate billions in Baht during this event.

[JoeThePoster]

That is why TAT launched 'Thainess'

I always thought it was to compete with Scotland's Loch Ness.

Both being figments of someones imagination, yes.

[useronthenet]

The planet 'Zog' seems more inviting than going to Thailand atm.

1. Coup d'etat (when it ends nobody really knows)
2. Civil rights suspended
3. Curfew still in force
4. Blanket ban on many websites and foreign TV channels
5. The country generally is getting very expensive these days (inflation at an all time high)
6. Rip offs, SCAMS, Tuk-Tuk's, Jet skis
7. Renewal of visas is a minefield of mystery, almost like Russian roulette if you get one or not, (that's if you live to tell the tale from the most scariest ride in your life)
8. No company in their right minds will cover you for insurance

Yes I can see how inviting it is for tourists to come.

Edited June 2, 2014 by useronthenet

[belg]

"experiential and fulfilling activities"

ladyboys ? sexual healing ?

business as usual, well said

[ratcatcher]

That is why TAT launched 'Thainess'

I always thought it was to compete with Scotland's Loch Ness.

Both being figments of someones imagination, yes.

Well, Loch Ness actually exists, although its claim to fame is assisted by the legendary monster.

Thainess exists probably because of the legendary TAT monster.

[marcusd]

Shame they are over developing everything. I notice they add Mekong. Yes folks those neighbors of Thailand will win

[DubaiIsCalling]

Euromonitor states that TAT members are the nr.1 Prozac intakers of all state run touristic agencies in the world.

[DubaiIsCalling]

Surprisingly, last week the China Airlines plane from AMS-BKK was completely full. But then i heard that they also carrying the passengers of a KLM flight and a 3rd airliner, so .... 1 third full then? or 2 third empty?

Beaches Pattaya and Jomtien last weekend. Less then 15% occupied. TAT sells wishful thinking......

[DoctorB]

The planet 'Zog' seems more inviting than going to Thailand atm.

1. Coup d'etat (when it ends nobody really knows)
2. Civil rights suspended
3. Curfew still in force
4. Blanket ban on many websites and foreign TV channels
5. The country generally is getting very expensive these days (inflation at an all time high)
6. Rip offs, SCAMS, Tuk-Tuk's, Jet skis
7. Renewal of visas is a minefield of mystery, almost like Russian roulette if you get one or not, (that's if you live to tell the tale from the most scariest ride in your life)
8. No company in their right minds will cover you for insurance

Yes I can see how inviting it is for tourists to come.

The Economist has a very interesting article on the real reasons for the coup.

These involve matters that cannot be dicussed here under any circumstances; events that ultimately cannot be avoided unless nature itself can be changed from its very course; but involving outcomes that must be controlled if the Lower Orders, The Dek (children), are to be kept in their place.

The Economist only allows non-subscribers to read 1 article for free so scroll down to the "Sections" area at the bottom, click on "Asia" and the the article that mentions "The Long Haul".

The Economist has a great reputation for ruthless honesty in its reporting and has p****d of many entrenched interests over the years. It won't be up for long in Thailand.

[useronthenet]

The planet 'Zog' seems more inviting than going to Thailand atm.

1. Coup d'etat (when it ends nobody really knows)
2. Civil rights suspended
3. Curfew still in force
4. Blanket ban on many websites and foreign TV channels
5. The country generally is getting very expensive these days (inflation at an all time high)
6. Rip offs, SCAMS, Tuk-Tuk's, Jet skis
7. Renewal of visas is a minefield of mystery, almost like Russian roulette if you get one or not, (that's if you live to tell the tale from the most scariest ride in your life)
8. No company in their right minds will cover you for insurance

Yes I can see how inviting it is for tourists to come.

The Economist has a very interesting article on the real reasons for the coup.

These involve matters that cannot be dicussed here under any circumstances; events that ultimately cannot be avoided unless nature itself can be changed from its very course; but involving outcomes that must be controlled if the Lower Orders, The Dek (children), are to be kept in their place.

The Economist only allows non-subscribers to read 1 article for free so scroll down to the "Sections" area at the bottom, click on "Asia" and the the article that mentions "The Long Haul".

The Economist has a great reputation for ruthless honesty in its reporting and has p****d of many entrenched interests over the years. It won't be up for long in Thailand.

Many here I'm sure have read this article and many similar to the point that some websites have already been blocked by the administration.

The difference to this coup against all others is the internet. Unless the Junta is willing to pull the plug on the net and disable the GSM networks, then it would be difficult for them to contain the exposure of which there is much flying around already.

​If this goes on for any length of time than is necessary, then things will get ugly.

Without stating the obvious, Thailand is an export nation, reliant on foreign investment, foreign tourists without which, there would be a sudden drop in their ability to sustain their present economy. Once this happens, no matter what the army might think, they will be powerless against the people of sufficient numbers who might then choose to turn on them, essentially you would have a revolution on your hands.

My advise to the Army is get on with the job that needs to be done, then set about forming a democratic government as soon as possible