TAT INTRODUCES NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TRADE TO “AMAZING THAILAND 2008”

TAT INTRODUCES NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TRADE TO “AMAZING THAILAND 2008”


The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) stepped up its marketing efforts in New Zealand and hosted “Amazing Thailand” product presentations for leading travel wholesalers and retailers such as House of Travel, Gulliver, Thailand Holiday, Classic Holiday and others.
The product briefing was held in two key cities. The first of the two presentations held on August 11th at the Sky City Grand Hotel in Auckland attracted 250 participants and the second presentation at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Christchurch on August 13th attracted another 75 participants.
TAT’s 2008 "Amazing Thailand" product presentation featured an introduction to key travel destinations around the country and Thailand’s leading niche products, organized into seven distinct categories and packaged under the new “Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand” theme.
The “Seven Amazing Wonders” theme products are: Thainess, Treasure products, Beaches, Nature, Health and Wellness, Trendy and Festivities.
Thailand is considered to be a year round destination — especially for niche markets. With the steady growth of visitor arrivals from New Zealand, the country ranks as the Thai tourism industry’s second most important source for outbound travel to Thailand from Oceania, with Australia taking the lead. In 2007, Thailand welcomed 89,928 visitors from New Zealand, a growth of 3.72 per cent over the previous year. The average length of stay in 2007 was 11.61 days.
Based on research findings, TAT has identified the following niche markets as potential and new emerging market segments for Thailand. As families look to new holiday destinations, the family market has the potential to be the biggest market from New Zealand. Others are golfing, medical tourism, diving, boating and rock-climbing. Honeymoon and weddings also present a huge potential.
Thailand’s national carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI) and partner, Air New Zealand, currently operate five code-sharing flights per week from Auckland direct to Bangkok.
In addition to THAI-Air New Zealand code-sharing flights, the following airlines operate daily flights from Auckland to their various hubs with onward connections to Bangkok: Singapore Airlines – Via Singapore, Cathay Pacific – Via Hong Kong, Malaysian Airlines – Via Kuala Lumpur, Qantas Airways – via Australia, Emirates – via Australia (Thrice weekly then daily from 01 May), Royal Brunei – via Brunei and British Airways – via Sydney (Code share QF Trans Tasman).
The launch of a new weekly Christchurch-Sydney-Bangkok service by Emirates, the international airline of the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), commencing in February 2009, will further increase capacity. The route will be served by 777-300 ER aircraft.
Total visitor arrivals from New Zealand is expected to reach 100,000 in 2008 and will account for 4.6 billion baht in tourism revenue generated, an increase 12.99 per cent.
SEVEN AMAZING WONDERS OF THAILAND Thainess“Experience the Art of Thai Living” — which refers to traditional Thai hospitality, lifestyle and friendliness of the people
Treasure products“Land of Heritage and History” — covering the World Heritage sites and historical places, temples, and Thai museums
Beaches“Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches” — the long-standing popularity of Thai beach resorts for international and domestic tourism
Nature“Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature” — focus on conservation and environment, and market Thai products within the framework of the worldwide attention being paid to global warming
Health and Wellness“Land of Healthy Smile” — a rapidly growing market, highlighting Thailand’s preventive and curative therapies
Trendy“Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends” — targetted at the new generation of young travellers, and covering the new boutique hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment
Festivities“Enchant Yourself with International Festivities in Thailand”— the ‘sanuk’ (fun) factor, featuring popular Thai events and festivals such as the Phuket Regatta, Elephant Polo, etc.