London
–The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leading a contingent of 42
exhibitors at the World Travel Market 2019, one of the world’s leading travel
trade shows, which is being held in London, during 4-6 November, 2019. Of
those, a total of 27 are first-timers, mostly exclusive boutique properties,
villas and tour operators specialising in niche markets.
Exhibiting at the
WTM for 39 consecutive years, the Thailand presence includes 31 hotel and
resorts, five tour operators, five other tourism-related agencies, and one
health and wellness company. The line-up of first timers includes 20 hotels and
resorts from Bangkok and beach destinations nationwide.
Other specialist
exhibitors include the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Co., Ltd., the Chao Phraya
Tourist Boat Co., Ltd., Chiang Mai Night Safari and the Thai Elephant Alliance
Association (TEAA).
The Thai pavilion
has been designed in line with the concept of “Open to the New Shades of
Thailand” under the campaign “Amazing Thailand”. Visitors can enjoy various
cultural activities and live demonstrations of art and culture, including displays
of Thai textiles, fabric, arts and crafts by the Queen Sirikit Institute, set
up to recognise and celebrate the wonderful work being done under the patronage
of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
The pavilion highlights
many creative and innovative products and services of high potential tourist
attractions in emerging cities of Thailand that are well suited to the travel
behaviour and preferences of UK and European visitors, especially repeat
visitors seeking to learn more about the ways of life in local communities.
The lotus pink
colour of the pavilion reflects the natural beauty of destinations; such as,
Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve in Phatthalung, Red Lotus Lake in Udon Thani. etc. The
entire pavilion has a very strong environmental focus in line with TAT’s policy
to align the future of tourism with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
It is made entirely
of recyclable and non-polluting materials. All the wood is from renewable
sources. All the waste generated in the pavilion is to be deposited in separate
disposal bins. And all visitors and the Thai delegation members are requested
not to use plastic containers for food and beverages.
The Thai tourism information
counter is open all through the show providing news and updated information
about Thailand’s tourism attractions in the primary and emerging cities.
The Responsible Thailand
Awards 2019 are to be presented at the World Travel Market (WTM) on 4 November
in a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
Organised by TAT in
cooperation with the UK publishing company Wanderlust Travel Media, the Awards
“recognise and celebrate organisations have made an outstanding contribution to
sustainable tourism developments, help protect the country whilst engaging and
educating tourists on local environmental issues.”
Four Thai hotels
and resorts, an elephant sanctuary and a non-governmental organisation promoting
community-based tourism are to be conferred the Responsible Thailand Awards
2019 in recognition of their commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
TAT’s market research
for the UK indicates a rise in demand for Responsible Tourism and wellness
holidays. TAT is also working with local tour operators on specific marketing
campaigns designed to target both these markets.
Because Thailand is
already a well-established destination amongst UK travellers, it is important
to showcase Thailand’s secondary cities, and new products to the UK consumer.
As such, there is a rising interest in destinations; such as, Ko Lipe, Khao Sok
and Chiang Rai.
One new market
segment for the 2019-2020 financial year is the EATHAI VISITHAI segment. This
is a group of people that classify themselves as ‘foodies’. They enjoy trying
different cuisines around the world, and the main attraction in Thailand is the
different food experiences, ranging from food carts and street vendors, to the
locals-only (gastro) pubs, dramatic wineries, or one-of-a-kind restaurants.
In 2018, European
visitors were up 3.86% to 6.76 million, generating an estimated 501 billion Baht.
Russia retained its status as the largest source market from Europe with
arrivals of 1.47 million. The United Kingdom was the second highest source
market with a total of 987,000 followed by Germany 889,000, and France 749,000.
Visitors also grew from East Europe (+9%).
In January-September
2019, Thailand recorded 4,698,239 European visitors, generating an estimated
324.758 billion Baht. This year, TAT has set a growth target of 11.53% in
tourism revenue from the European market.
The United Kingdom
is now Thailand’s second largest market out of Europe. Thailand welcomed more
than 719,599 UK visitors during January – September 2019.
In 2018, UK
visitors had an average length of stay 17.71 days per person per visit, well
above the 9.2 day average of all visitors to Thailand. In the same period, UK
visitors had an average daily expenditure of 4,286 Baht. This generated a total
of about 72.458 billion Baht in foreign exchange revenue.
