GreenBkk.com Tourism | TAT TO THANK MEDIA FOR SUPPORT IN PULLING OFF A SUCCESSFUL 2010

TAT TO THANK MEDIA FOR SUPPORT IN PULLING OFF A SUCCESSFUL 2010
   
Bangkok, February 15, 2011 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised its annual Thank-you Party for the foreign and local media based in Thailand on February 11, 2011, at the Royal Maneeya Ballroom, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel.

In addition to briefing the media on the turnaround campaigns that allowed Thailand to enjoy a successful 2010, TAT will unveil a new domestic travel campaign entitled “Travel with a New Heart for a Sustainable Thailand”.

This campaign is designed to promote “Green Tourism” in Thailand, enhance public awareness of the need to preserve the environment, and benefit local communities as the true ‘owners’ of the indigenous natural and cultural resources.

Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor said “There is no doubt that the media played a major role in helping us with our recovery campaigns after the April-May 2010 political unrest. Although the reporting of the crisis did create some controversy at the time, I am happy to report that all’s well that ends well.”

He added, “Thailand is very proud of its free and vibrant press, and the presence of one of the largest foreign correspondents clubs in Asia. They all play a very important part in preserving a healthy democracy.”

Mr Suraphon unveiled the new domestic travel campaign at the party, which also included dinner, a cultural performance, mini-retro concert, and lucky draw.

In 2010, international visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 15.84 million, a good growth of 11.96% over 2009. South Asia showed the highest growth of 24.98% followed by the Middle East (23%), Africa (13.04%), East Asia (14.14%), and Europe (6.93%).

The top-five markets of visitor arrivals to Thailand are Malaysia (1.9 Million), China (1.1 Million), Japan (984,763), United Kingdom (818,303), and Korea (815,970).

Key contributing factors to the recovery were the underlying strengths of the Thai tourism industry, the improved overall global economic conditions, the strong policy and regulatory support of the Royal Thai Government, the quick remedial actions mounted by the various airlines serving Thailand, especially Thai Airways International and the low-cost airlines, and TAT’s recovery campaigns and roadshows in various key markets.

Mr Suraphon said, “We were very happy to receive extensive support from the media both in Thailand and abroad for all our recovery efforts. Maintaining good relations with the media is a critical component of our strategy.”

For 2011, if there are no further global or other crises, TAT is targeting 16.4-16.7 million international visitor arrivals with projected revenue earnings of 625 – 655 billion Baht (US$ 20.78 billion – 21.78 billion) in tourism revenue.

International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

Credit: TAT News (www.tatnews.org)