Thailand promoted as “Affordable Luxury”

Thailand promoted as “Affordable Luxury”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand revealed its plan to promote Thailand as an “Affordable Luxury” leisure destination to the Australian market in the year ahead.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, executive director for the South Asia and South Pacific Region, Dr Walailak Noypayak spoke to Travel Weekly at the Thailand Travel Market Plus conference, outlined TAT’s strategy to capture the Australian tourism market.

Noypayak said TAT is working with various niche players; from luxury, golfing, weddings and honeymoon, to youth and adventure seekers — to remind Australians to visit the land of smiles.

She said filming had finished for a TV cooking show with Chef Sujet Saenkham of Sydney’s Spice-I-am restaurant, featuring flavours from the Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai regions. The Food Travel program will be broadcasted on Channel Nine to the Australian market on June 25th.

Attracting female travellers to visit Thailand is a priority in the year ahead, with TAT’s “Women’s Journey” campaign launching in August.

Noypayak said an agreement is in place with Miss World Australia for the upcoming 2016 Miss World Australia to be a TAT Ambassador for the next 12 months. As part of the “Women’s Journey” promotion, the top five national finalists will be awarded a Thailand trip in August.

Uncovering hidden gems and introducing Australians to the many regions they have yet to explore is also high on the agenda for 2017, according to Noypayak.

She mentioned Koh Chang, Trat, only a 1-hour flight from Bangkok and 45 mins ferry ride away, would appeal to Australians with the eastern region’s crystal clear water, rainforests, mountains, pristine beaches and waterfalls.

Noypayak also highlighted Koh Mook, Trang for Australian travellers —  an undiscovered southern hideaways, with secluded beaches, lagoons, forests, waterfalls and the unmissable Moracot Cave – an emerald colour open pool surrounded by high cliff in the middle of the forests.

The town also has beautiful temples, great selections of hotels and a local airport with daily flights from Bangkok.

Noypayak said Thailand is performing quite well in the Australian market, given the economic condition and the currency rate. Furthermore, Thailand is always in the top five outbound destinations for Australians.

With this year’s highly successful TTM plus an indicator — with 22 Australian Travel Agents and Wholesalers in attendance, Thailand tourism’s success with the Australian market is firmly set to continue.

Thai press confernce Australia

Pictured: (left to right) Rujiras Chatchalermkit (TAT Sydney), Dr Walailak Noypayak (TAT South Asia and South Pacific Region), Sherly Handjojo (TAT Sydney)

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