Thai govt eyes tier-II cities

In a bid to promote tourism in Thailand, especially the new regions in Northern Thailand including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Khao Yai along with attractions from the South - Trang, Surat Thani and Koh Samui, a team from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcased their culture in Mangalore.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday, TAT (Mumbai office) Director Sethaphan Buddhani said that the TAT aims at increasing awareness and educating the Indian traveller on Thailand’s existing and new tourism products. “It will focus on the different facets that Thailand has to offer — be it adventure, culture, wedding and honeymoon among others,” he said.

Stating that Thailand received a total number of 9,16,787 Indian tourists in 2011, a growth of 20.57 per cent over the previous year, he said that last year, Thailand received a total number of 10,16,013 tourist arrivals from India, an increase of 11 per cent.

Noting that there is potential market in Tier-II cities like Mangalore, Mysore, Pune, Ooty, Cochin and Coaimbatore, he said that there are a number of attractions at Thailand this year. They include Songkran festival (April 13-15), Thailand Travel Mart (June 5-7) and Loi Krathong fest (November 17).
 
Stating that Thailand offers best value for money, he said plans are also on the anvil to organise familiarisation trips for trade focusing on medical tourism, wedding, golfing, biking and eco-tourism in Thailand. “You can get accommodation from 500 Bahts to 4 lakh Bahts,” he said.

2 new flights

To a query, Buddhani said that plans are on the anvil to start two direct flights from Mumbai to Phuket and Ahmedabad to Bangkok, before March 31, 2013. Earlier, a team of artists from Thailand presented a dance show depicting their tradition and culture.

 They also displayed their art works, handicrafts and paitings. Thailand Convention and Exhbition Bureau Senior Manager Puripan Bunnag was also present.