Thai tourism team presents “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign at WTM 2014

LONDON – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to unveil a series of new marketing plans and promotional activities at the World Travel Market 2014 (WTM), one of the world’s largest travel trade shows to be held 3-6 November, 2014, in London.
 

This year marks Thailand’s 34th year of participation. A record total of 54 Thai tourism companies including 44 accommodation companies (hotels and resorts), 4 tour operators and other 6 related offices are attending. Thousands of trade visitors from around the world attend the WTM every year to network, negotiate contracts, source new products and services, and get an update on industry developments.
 

On 3 November, 2014, after the opening ceremony at the Thai pavilion, TAT organised the “2015 Discover Thainess Networking Lunch” at which it had a soft launch of the new global marketing and promotion campaign under the “2015 Discover Thainess” slogan. The event was presided over by the new Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.
 

H.E. Kobkarn said, “This new campaign for 2015 emphasises on the priceless treasures of Thailand, which gives Thainess its charm and makes us unique as a people, society and culture.”
 

“The 2015 Discover Thainess campaign will offer the chance for foreigners to appreciate the essence of ‘Thainess’ through the Thai way of life, Thai culture and Thai experiences. This distinctive character of “Thainess” is the magnet of Thailand, which draws tourists to explore and share their experiences with local Thai communities.”
 

Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana presided over the “Thailand Green Excellence Awards” ceremony to UK travel agents and media who play a vital role in supporting ecotourism in Thailand. TAT organised the “Amazing Thailand Night” at The Dorchester Hotel and the Royal Gala Dinner at Thai Square.
 

On 5 November, 2014, the Thai Eco Tourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) will organise a product presentation on responsible tourism for travel agents.
 

This year, the Thai pavilion bears the theme of “World Event: Thainess”. Throughout the four-day trade show, visitors will enjoy a Thai spa demonstration by RarinJinda Wellness Spa, a popular spa amongst local and foreign guests.
 

At the Thai pavilion, TAT will be presenting the new design of the TAT portal website www.tourismthailand.org and introduce the Yours app, which can reach users in each area of the country with tourist information, shopping, lodging, eating and sharing via social media. Free giveaways will be distributed to visitors who scan the QR code in the Yours app.
 

Other Thai organisations attending this year include the Arts of the Kingdom, Pattaya City Hall, Bangkok Airways and other tourism business associations in various Thai destinations.
 

TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “A strong Thai presence this year is an important part of our confidence building measures to ensure strong visitor arrivals over the rest of 2014 and well into 2015. Our new Tourism Minister will be able to outline all the new measures being taken to revive and rebuild our largest foreign exchange earning service industry.”
 

The United Kingdom is one of Thailand’s important markets in Europe. In January – September 2014, 666,397 UK visitors travelled to Thailand, up by 2.87% over the same period of 2013. By the end of this year, TAT is projecting more than 879,000 visitor arrivals and earnings of 1.2 billion GBP (64 billion Baht) from the UK market.
 

In 2013, UK visitors had an average length of stay of 17.8 days per person per visit, well above the 9.85 day average of all visitors to Thailand.
 

In the same period, UK visitors had an average daily expenditure of 76 GBP (3,970.76 Baht), up 4.92 percent. This generated a total of about 1.1 billion GBP (59 billion Baht) in foreign exchange revenue, up about 9.14 percent.