Travel Agent - June 23, 2008 - (Page TA-81) Travel Mart Showcases Marketing Objectives for Thailand THIS YEAR, THERE WAS A NEW WRINKLE to the 7th Thailand Travel Mart + 2008, which was held June 5-8 at Bangkok’s IMPACT Exhibition Centre. In past years, the Mart concentrated on promoting the countries of the Mekong River Sub-Region: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. The “+” in this year’s name for the Mart refers to the addition of Malaysia and Indonesia. Travel agents can expect to see short-, medium- and long-stay packages being developed that promote travel to all three countries. Phornsiri Manoharn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), outlined Thailand’s tourism objectives for the coming year. Thailand will heavily promote niche-market travel in the belief that these markets will be less likely to be affected by economic setbacks, including high fuel costs. TAT is identifying selected niche markets as the “Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand.” As described by Manoharn, they are: 1. “Thainess”: people and culture 2. Treasure: heritage and history 3. Beaches: long-standing popularity of Thailand’s beaches and resorts 4. Nature: beauty of natural wonders 5. Wellness: massage, meditation and medical tourism 6. Trends: dining, nightlife shopping and boutique hotels 7: Festivities: traditional festivals and special events. The U.S. accounts for 600,000 visitors to Thailand annually, and travel agents can expect to see a lot more attention given to promoting CONTINUED ON PAGE 82 Mark Rogers Interested? Request #016. http://www.whatifsecrets.com
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