The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to organise a five-day travel and cultural extravaganza in South Thailand…
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to organise a five-day travel and cultural extravaganza in South Thailand between August 4 – 8 to showcase its tourism attractions and underscore its social, economic and cultural stability.
The “Golden Peninsular Fun” event will be held from 16.00 hrs – 22.00 hrs between August 4 – 6 and 10.00 hrs – 22.00 hrs between August 7 – 8, 2004, at the Hat Yai Municipality Park, Songkhla province.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Sontaya Kunplome and Minister of Tourism of Malaysia, Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad will chair the opening ceremony on August 4 at 19.00 hrs. It will feature performances of well-known artistes and cultural troupes from Thailand and Malaysia to be followed by a dinner buffet for all delegates.
TAT Governor, Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan said, “Promoting South Thailand is a very important component of our plan to attract 12 million visitors this year and also boost domestic and intra-regional tourism. There is tremendous potential to promote intra-regional travel to and between Thailand and Malaysia.
“We want to bring tourists, travellers and businessmen together for five days for both fun and serious business. The objective is to help us better understand each other’s cultures, promote peace and harmony, and create the conditions for tourism and economic growth,” she added.
Over the years, Thailand and Malaysia have worked extensively to promote travel to and within the region by improving transportation infrastructure, facilitating border control and marketing their unique travel and tourism sites and locations.
Tourism Malaysia will organise a Malaysian Pavilion, decorated in Malaysian architecture and style, and featuring product displays by Malaysian hotels and tour operators. About 60 Thai hotels and tour operators will also exhibit in the consumer fair.
Visitors will be able to avail of a wide range of discounts for tour programmes and accommodation at destinations in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia.
Other activities include a variety of national and international entertainment items; a festival of southern arts, food and fruits; a shopping street for the One Tambon One Product creations; midnight sales in Hat Yai and fashion shows by famous models featuring brand-name apparel.
Separate events will be organised for travel trade companies through the chambers of commerce and the Tourism Council of Thailand in order to facilitate business opportunities.
Mrs. Juthamas said, “Together, this subregion boasts a unique confluence of Buddhist, Islamic, Malay and Chinese cultures that cannot be found anywhere else. It is reflected in the local cuisine, way of life, local performances, arts and cultural traditions, all of which will be on grand display during the event.”
The project is in line with similar promotions organised by TAT in various parts of Thailand, such as the Bangkok Film Festival and the Bangkok Countdown in Central Thailand; the Pattaya Music Festival in Eastern Thailand; and the Grand Lanna Civilisation – Songkran Festival in Northern Thailand. In January – March 2004, arrivals from Malaysia increased by 26% to 371,990, making it the top market-source of arrivals to Thailand.
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