THAILAND WAIVES VISA FEE AS PART OF DRIVE TO REVIVE TOURISM

Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective 5 March, 2009 to 4 June, 2009.

Thailand presently gives Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days. Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is personally spearheading efforts to revive the tourism industry and boost the country’s competitive position to offset the impact of the global financial crisis.

Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor said “The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back to business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade.

“Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports and smiles. We are welcome all visitors around the world.”

On 3 February, 2009, Thai Cabinet approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers through Suvarnabhumi International Airport who must wait long hours to catch a connecting flight. The waiver will allow transit passengers to temporarily leave the airport premises on a short visit or to shop at places near the airport without a visa.

Each year Thailand welcomed a thousand of transit passengers daily, many of whom must stay at the airport for up to eight hours.

In 2009, TAT is conservatively expecting 14 million visitor arrivals, with tourism revenue projected at 505 billion baht (US$14.46 billion).

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

THAILAND-MYANMAR JOIN HANDS IN PROMOTING THE “BUDDHIST CIRCUIT”

With the ASEAN member countries having agreed to develop the Buddhist Circuit/Pilgrimage Tourism for ASEAN and India, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positive that this will be another great effort which will encourage all members to work together in close cooperation in tourism promotion and marketing within ASEAN.

Therefore, to ensure that the set objectives are achieved, TAT has been actively working on this project. The Union of Myanmar is one of the pilot countries with whom TAT is keen to join hands in promoting the “Buddhist Circuit”. Apart from having participated in the seminar held during 24-28 August, 2008, in the Union of Myanmar, TAT recently organized an educational trip covering the Bangkok-Chiang Rai-Thachilek-Kengtung-Bagan-Yangon-Bangkok route during 17-21 February, 2009. A total of 22 participants including representatives from the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Chiang Rai Tourism Society, as well as travel writers, took part in the trip which was headed by Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning.

This educational trip was not only part of the “Buddhist Circuit” route survey, but was also an opportunity for the Thai private sector and travel writers to meet and exchange information with their counterparts.

Fruitful results of the Thailand-Myanmar Buddhist Circuit packages and other tourism promotion and marketing activities are another step forward that both Thailand and Myanmar expect following the trip.

In addition to the hosting of the Buddhism Pilgrimage documentary film production team from India scheduled next, both countries are optimistic and look forward to welcoming increased cooperation from other ASEAN members who might wish to join the ASEAN-India Buddhist Tourism Circuit and contribute to its future development.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

An Interview with Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia

Figures suggest that the global economic crisis has already hit Cambodia’s tourism sector, but Tourism Minister Thong Khon says there is no need for the travel industry to start panicking

In an interview with the Post, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon reflects on the further development of Cambodia's tourism sector during what will be a difficult period, given that many potential travellers in the West are now suffering from the financial crisis. With the tourism sector already showing signs it has been hit, Cambodia is now trying to develop strategies to deal with the slump, the minister says.

What strategies and plans do you have for developing the tourism sector in Cambodia during the global financial crisis?
First we must find out the effect of the global financial crisis as clearly as possible. We know that the financial crisis is having a negative affect on the income of travellers in many countries.

The income of people in the United States and in Europe has also been affected, which shortens their trips. There was a decline in the number of tourists in Europe in 2008, and this problem has also spread to Asia.

Seeing the above problem, we have decided to choose strategies to attract tourists in the region during this year and the future. This does not mean that we will forget tourists from the US and Europe.

The first thing we have to do is boost the number of regional tourists by introducing a simple travelling process for them, including the facilitation of visa documents for getting in and out of Cambodia.... We have already highlighted the need for visas with countries like Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei.

It is only Thailand and Indonesia that we have not dealt with yet. We will solve this problem by 2010. Apart from that, we are also trying to facilitate transportation services by allowing automobiles to cross the border for one week by just showing a valid customs document. We want to let in 150 automobiles, both passenger carriers and goods vehicles, from countries that have land borders with us so that travellers can cross the border, in and out of our country, every day.

We also haven't forgotten to boost cheap flights that connect to the region.

To what extent can the above perspective help increase visitors to Cambodia?
According to our ... strategies as mentioned above, we hope that there will be more travellers. We expect to increase the number of tourists by five percent to seven percent on top of the 2.15 million visitors we received in 2008.

On what basis can you make such projections?
We will create a competition system for the most beautiful and clean cities and resorts to attract visitors. In the meantime, we will also expand advertising for two new products ... the dolphin site in Kratie province and the mangrove forest in Koh Kong province - to overseas travellers because we know that tourists at present like visiting environmental resorts and they like to help reduce poverty.

In two years, we will try our best to make Siem Reap a town free of flies, highlight commission payments and increase the quality of food to an acceptable level.

From which countries does Cambodia plan to attract visitors to ensure an increase during the financial crisis period?
Our new targets include the Middle East and Russia because these countries have not been affected by the global financial crisis very much.

We will have a memorandum of understanding agreement with Kuwait, and then we will soon expand our advertising into Kuwaiti markets. We expect to get at least 50,000 visitors from Kuwait every year. Similarly, we also wish to boost advertising to attract visitors from Russia by encouraging direct flights from such countries to Cambodia.
Moreover, we plan to also get tourists from Asean countries, China, Japan, Korea and India, too.

Has the ministry thought of building more hotels in such circumstances?
We believe that the global financial crisis will disturb our tourism sector for two years only, and that the sector will recover in 2011.

According to the tourism statistics we are getting now, we think that we need to build 1,000 extra hotels rooms every year.
And we will encourage the building of more hotels in certain areas such as Koh Kong and Kratie provinces where modern hotels do not exist yet.

Will the revenue and the number of people who work in this sector decrease or not?
In 2008, we received an income of about US$1.4 million from the tourism sector, and we expect $1.5 million in 2009. Also, the tourism sector has created jobs for about 300,000 people in Cambodia, and this figure may increase up to half a million people in the next five years. This is what we expect.

The first thing we have to do is boost the number of regional tourists.

Tourism Sector Stimulus

Following a meeting with the travel industry Friday to discuss strategies to help the industry weather the global financial storm, Tourism Minister Thong Khon will meet with Minister of Finance Keat Chhon today. The two ministries will decide whether the government coffers can withstand a host of proposals designed to stimulate the flagging tourism sector, among them the proposed scrapping of tourism visas, a measure that the industry has supported to boost traveller numbers. Nevertheless, US$20 travel visas are a lucrative source of state finances – more than two million tourists visited the Kingdom in 2008. Tourist-visa revenue was therefore more than $40 million last year, money that would be lost should travel visas be abolished. Other proposals include increasing flights and lowering Angkor Wat entry fees.

Cambodia: Government Mulls Tourism Stimulus

Governmnet and private travel companies proposed a host of incentive measures aimed at stimulating the tourism sector at a meeting in Phnom Penh on Friday, the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) said.

Ho Vandy, Co-chair of the Tourism Working Group, said that members of the private sector met with Tourism Minister Thong Khon to discuss the possibility of visa exemption for tourists along with a possible increase in flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap, among other initiatives.

Thong Khon will take these proposals to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Wednesday, said Ho Vandy, to assess whether the measures are financially viable. bout two million tourists visit Cambodia per year with each required to buy a $20 visa.

Ho Vandy said incentive measures are urgent given the economic climate. "If the government doesn't take action ... we will face a serious problem in the tourism sector," he said.

Laos expects 1.8 million foreign visitors this year

Laos expects to welcome 1.8 million international arrivals by the end of 2009, earning about 270 million USD, the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) said.

In order to reach the target, LNTA plans to coordinate with private tourist companies in carrying out tourism programmes and promotion activities, Vice Chairman of the administration Vang Rattanavong said recently.

In 2008, there were about 1.6 million international travelers to Laos, making a turnover of 235 million USD, the official added.

According to the Lao News Agency (KPL), over the past years, Laos has scaled up investments in infrastructure to make it more attractive in the eyes of foreigners, such as in upgrade of Louang Namtha airport, national road No. 3, construction of the second bridge over Mekong River linking Laos and Thailand, improvement of the nation’s telecommunications and tourism services as well as building new spots of tourist attractions.
Source: VNA

Mandarin Media Post-ATF2009 Tour held what it promised

The Sai Gon-Portland-Hue based company of Mandarin Media (MM) was successfully looking and recruiting some media delegates for a special press trip through Viet Nam after the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held in Ha Noi last January. As the company represents a number of leading hospitality properties in Viet Nam, I was highly interested to join this trip and see more of Viet Nam than just its capital Ha Noi.

The dates of the trip were scheduled on January 13-20, 2009, and included one-night stops at the Moevenpick Ha Noi Hotel, Emeraude Classic Cruises in Ha Long Bay, and La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue. The Life Heritage Resort and The Nam Hai in Hoi An followed, while the Caravelle and Moevenpick Hotels were visited in Ho Chi Minh City. As I wanted to spend more than one night in the Imperial City of Hue, I took the train from Ha Noi in the morning of January 13 (for just 10USD), only to join the press tour on January 15 in Hue.

The fascinating train trip from Ha Noi to Hue started on 10.05 to run first south through the heavily settled parts of the Red River Delta, then passing the provincial towns of Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Dong Hoi and Quang Tri, and finally arrived in Hue at 2.15. From passengers, most of them Vietnamese, I learned that the 1727km long journey continued another day and night via Da Nang and Nha Trang to reach Sai Gon Railway Station in Ho Chi Minh City at 2.55.

As a long-stretched country along the South China Sea, Viet Nam has over 3,260km of coastline, but experiences several different tropical monsoon climate regions. Almost the size of Germany, Viet Nam has a population of over 85 million people, comprising 54 different ethnic groups, with the Kinh (or Viet) people in the absolute majority. All of the groups have their own culture, language, and customs. With a nearly 3,000 years old history, the Vietnamese are proud to overcome a 1,000 years lasting colonisation of China, but also having swallowed the ancient peoples and empires of the Cham and Khmer on their long march down from north to south.

Having explored the “water town” and citadel of Hue along the Perfume River for two days, I checked in at La Residence Hotel & Spa on January 15 to wait for the coming of the 8-headed press tour to arrive with the evening flight from Ha Noi. GM Carmen Marienberg from Waldshut/Germany gave me a hearty welcome and introduced me to the most luxurious boutique hotel in Hue, formerly the French governor’s residence, with its subtle and refined art deco design, as well as 122 rooms and suites.

When the press tour arrived in the evening, we all had an outstanding Imperial dinner at the hotel’s Le Parfum Restaurant, including the sophisticated Minh Mang Emperor liquor made from glutinous rice and rare medical plants. Early next morning, there was a sightseeing tour of the Imperial City guided by MM PR representative Scott Resch. I chose to explore the impressive Ho Chi Minh Museum nearby, before checking out from the hotel at noon (see at www.la-residence-hue.com).

Soon, we were on the way by bus to the scenic Hai Van Mountain Pass of Clouds, the climatic divide between North and South Viet Nam. Having stopped for a short break at the Thanh Tam Seaside Resort, which is prominently located at the more than 10km long sandy beach of Lang Co, we passed the 500m high mountainous divide via a recently built 16300m long tunnel. After two hours, we already arrived in Da Nang, the emerging gateway to the East West Economic Corridor, leading to Lao PDR, Thailand and Myanmar.

We passed the huge and already developed “Indochina” Riverside Highway crossing the busy Han River to reach the 30km long stretch of windy beaches, with new high-class tourist resorts, luxurious condos and villas, as well as shopping centres. Finally, we arrived at the Life Heritage Resort in Hoi An, where we were welcomed by Assistant Resort Manager Erik Billgren, who introduced the 96 plus 18 river view rooms property along the scenic Thu Bon River as environment-friendly and sensitive for the local culture. A sundown boat cruise in style along the old waterway of Hoi An was more than we expected (see at www.life-resorts.com).

Next morning, we walked through the ancient exceptionally good preserved trading port, which was situated halfway between China and India along the old maritime silk-road. Our tourist sights were to the covered Japanese Bridge from the 16th century, Phu Kien Assembly Hall, Museum of History & Culture, and Hoi An Central Market, which is busy from early morning to evening. “Cyclos” are the best mode of transport. After a refreshing lunch at the hotel’s Senses Restaurant, we left by taxi to the nearby “5-star” luxury The Nam Hai Resort, Hoi An (see at www.ghmhotels.com)

Welcomed by GM Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, our group was checked in at some of the 60 beautiful one-bedroom villas. Each occupies its own section of landscaped gardens and boasts views of the South China Sea at the world-famous China Beach and nearby Cham Island. Interesting to note is that the listed room rates start at 750USD per day and ending at 3,900USD at one of the 40 pool villas. There are three swimming pools in the main area, with one pool temperature controlled. Other recreational facilities include “The Spa” at The Nam Hai, Health Club, and the nearby Montgomerie Links Viet Nam Golf Course (see at www.montgomerielinks.com)

The fine seafood dinner at the spacey “The Restaurant” was arranged by Miss Barbie I. Takahashi, Director of Sales & Marketing, who entertained the group until late in the night. On January 18, we had to leave a small piece of paradise back to Da Nang, from where to fly to Ho Chi Minh City – some 977km further south, but not before to inspect the 18-hole Montgomerie Links Golf Course, which is managed by Indochina Land (see at www.indochinacapital.com)

Also, the nearby attraction of the Marble Mountains was visited, where mysterious caves were occupied during the American War. Today, the temples there are visited along a pilgrimage path. Dating back for centuries, they all serve as very important, mostly Buddhist sanctuaries.

The group flew from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines, while I opted to try the new local Indochina Airlines (for some 50USD/per seat). Actually, there are 12 domestic airline flights per day - namely four flights from HCMC-Ha Noi (vice versa) and two flights from HCMC-Da Nang (vice versa). Besides, there are already 290 sales agents nation wide (see at www.indochinaairlines.vn)

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City after one hour and half at 16.15, I took a taxi to the centrally located Caravelle Hotel, with its legendary hospitality in the heart of Sai Gon. After checking in at an executive floor, there was a re-union with the press group and a welcome dinner organised by GM John Gardner. Through a vast extension of the original hotel of 50 years ago, the hotel offers - tourists and businessmen alike - some 335 modern and tastefully decorated rooms and suites. Always a hotel highlight is the visit of the well-known Saigon Saigon Bar on the old rooftop, with the most spectacular views of the inner city (see at www.caravellehotel.com)

Next morning, our group strolled down the famous Rue Catinat of Graham Green’s Saigon, which is nowadays called Dong Khoi – the trendiest street downtown lined with fancy restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops. We visited the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral and the opposite Central Post Office. Le Duan Street around the corner is running past the Sofitel Plaza Saigon and ends near the Museum of Vietnamese History within the Zoological and Botanical Garden. Ho Chi Minh City today is the secret capital of modern Viet Nam and also the gateway to the colourful Mekong Delta.

After check out from the Caravelle Hotel at noontime, we were picked up by the staff from the Moevenpick Hotel Sai Gon and enjoyed a delicious Vietnamese lunch at the popular Quan An Ngon Restaurant opposite the Reunification Palace. Later on, we had a guided tour through the residence for the past presidents of the old regime, until on April 30, 1975, the palace was overrun by tanks of the Communist Liberation Army. At 15.00, we checked in at the Moevenpick.

Vietnamese hospitality with a Swiss touch was guaranteed with the welcome of the group. Swiss GM Hubert Klemenz, Vice-President Operations Viet Nam, explained that after extensive renovation work the Moevenpick Hotel Saigon is to be tailored precisely to the needs of its guests and will become one of the leading hotels in the region. All of the 251 rooms and suites offer convenience and comfort. Furthermore, the upscale hotel is equipped with function halls for up to 400 guests. The outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa facilities offer plenty of opportunities for sporting activities and relaxation (see at www.moevenpick-saigon.com)

At 17.00, we had a final session organised by Claudio F. Kellenberger, General Manager of Asian Trails, Ho Chi Minh City, to brief us about the future of tourism in Viet Nam. After that, we had the last site inspection of our press tour and enjoyed cocktails at the hotel’s Mulligans Irish Pub. Thereafter, we headed to a seafood buffet dinner at Cafe Saigon Restaurant hosted by Moevenpick, where Stephen O’Grady, General Director of VinaCapital Real Estate, and George Ehrlich-Adam, General Manager of Exotissimo in Viet Nam, attended as special guests.

To sum up the result of the press trip, it was more than obvious that it held what it promised. I have to thank MM Partners, Jim Sullivan and Hal Phillips, for their generous support.

For further information, please contact GMS Media Travel Consultant Reinhard Hohler by e-mail: sara@cmnet.co.th

TAT TAPPING CHINESE MARKET IN 2009

As part of its global tourism campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proactively launching initiatives to target the market in China.

Now that Thailand has a new prime minister, the tourism industry is seeing a positive outlook, with TAT starting to put major efforts in encouraging more Chinese tourists to the country, as China remains one of the largest markets for Thailand.

According to Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of TAT, the main priority is to encourage more tourists from our major target markets, especially those within the Asian region, to come for their holidays, business trips and MICE activities in Thailand.

TAT plans to aggressively focus on tourism traffic from China using all kinds of strategies in the form of public relations and advertising, sales promotions, as well as alliances with related partners in the industry. In addition, as part of this plan to tap this potential market, TAT will soon set up a new office in Shanghai.

The Golden Star (International) Group Company Limited in Bangkok is cooperating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Shanghai Office to invite 60 tour operators and 20 members of the mass media to Thailand. The guests are from Shanghai precinct in China, where there is a population of approximately 200 million people. They will come to visit Thailand in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Kanchanaburi provinces during 23-28 February 2009. The objective of this event is to stimulate the Chinese market by targeting the Shanghai region, as it is a major crucial market, and also to build confidence and a good image of Thailand.

The Golden Star (International) Group Company Limited will host a luncheon for the TAT Governor and tour operators from Shanghai on 27 February, 2009, 12.00 noon, Rachavipha Room, 2nd Floor, Tharntip Building, Chaophya Park Hotel.

The “Amazing Thailand Amazing Value Media Fam Trip” were organized as TAT targeted to invite 100 press members to visit Thailand during January and February 2009.

In Thailand, TAT supported the organization of the grand China Town Yaowarat Chinese New Year Festival nationwide in Nakhon Sawan, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chon Buri, Phuket, and Bangkok from 23 January – 4 February, 2009, inviting 179 performers from 7 provinces and regions including Shandong, Beijing and Yunnan to showcase cultural performances like the dragon and lion parade and Chinese opera. This also aimed to strengthen relations between the Thai-Chinese twin cities: Bangkok-Beijing and Phuket-Hai Nan and Ian Tai. During the festival, TAT welcomed China’s Deputy Minister of Culture and entourage on 26 January, 2009.

“We will and have to try our best to convince local Chinese to consider visiting Thailand again using diversity in tourist attractions including pristine beaches, Thai food, golf courses, and boutique spas and hip resorts to attract them,” noted Mrs. Phornsiri.

In 2007, Thailand welcomed for the first time over 1,000,000 tourist arrivals from China, and during the first seven months of 2008, there was a total of 614,725 arrivals from January to July, a 22.36% increase for the same period of 2007.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

Oman inks Open Skies Agreement with Singapore

Middle East Continues To Deliver Air Service Increases

Singapore has concluded an Open Skies Agreement (OSA) with the Sultanate of Oman to allow for full flexibility for air services operated by carriers of both countries. The agreement was reached during the air services consultations which took place in Singapore on January 19 and 20, 2009.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services was signed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)'s Deputy Director-General (Development), Mr Tan Lye Teck, and H.E. Mohamed Bin Sakhar Al-Amri, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs, Oman.

"I am glad that both Singapore and Oman have concluded an open skies agreement, allowing carriers of both countries to take advantage of the immense growth opportunities in air travel between Singapore and the Middle East," said Mr Lim Kim Choon, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, CAAS. He added that, "In 2008, passenger traffic between Singapore and the Middle East grew significantly by 15% compared to the previous year. Indeed, the Middle East is a region where we continue to see increases in air services even during such economically challenging times."

The OSA between Singapore and Oman allows Singapore carriers to operate any number of passenger and cargo flights between Singapore and points in Oman, as well as beyond Oman to any other city in the world. Likewise, carriers of Oman may operate any number of flights to and beyond Singapore. With this, Singapore has concluded OSAs with five countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

With the Singapore-Oman OSA, Singapore has concluded OSAs with more than 30 countries.

Source: etn

Visa and PATA Survey Boosts Morale of Asia Pacific Tourism Industry

The positive results of the Visa and PATA Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey has boosted the overall morale of the Asia Pacific tourism industry.

The survey, entitled, ‘Determining Travel Preferences in 2009 and Beyond’ found that of the 5,554 people surveyed, 36 percent said they did not expect to make any changes to their travel plans in the near future.

Australians, British, Singaporeans, Indians, French and Americans considered their holidays to be a right not a privilege and were less likely than the average respondent to let the economic crisis get in the way of their travel plans.

64 percent of respondents said that in light of the economic uncertainty they would review their travel plans.

Among those respondents reviewing their plans, 57 percent (mainly from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Chinese Taipei and China) said they would search for less expensive destinations or itineraries.

Domestic travel was an option being considered by 38 percent of respondents, with more travellers from Japan, India, Chinese Taipei, the United States and China opting to holiday ‘in their own backyards’.

While just 36 percent of travellers surveyed said they were planning to postpone travel in the near future.

Meranda Chan, Visa Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, and PATA Board Director, said: “While the global economic situation will impact tourism, it is unlikely to bring travel to a standstill. What our survey has shown is that travelers will be more creative in their selection of destinations.”

Greg Duffell, President and CEO - PATA said: “The travel and tourism industry is a major employer in nearly every destination in Asia Pacific. Indeed, the top two global markets for travel and tourism employment are China (74.5 million jobs) and India (30.5 million jobs) with Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand also in the top 10.

“We must never understate the importance of working with the travel industry to shape promotions and offerings that suit travellers’ desires for new and economically sensitive travel options – and it’s vitally important that the industry delivers innovative and creative solutions to keep these people travelling.”

The Visa and PATA survey has named Asia Pacific as the number one region for those intending to travel overseas from now until 2010.

60 percent of respondents said they would travel to Asia Pacific while North America and Western Europe ranked second and third with 35 percent of the votes each.

The top three Asia Pacific destinations that respondents were considering between now and next year were Australia (43 percent), Japan (37 percent) and Hong Kong (35 percent).

Meranda Chan, Visa Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, and PATA Board Director, said: “That Asia Pacific was named the leading global leisure travel region by respondents in Visa and PATA’s latest travel survey reinforces the vital role this industry fills in the regional economy.

“ PATA figures show that international arrivals to Asia Pacific destinations grew year on year by some 2.6 percent in 2008 - despite the economic slowdown which created a serious impact on inbound traffic in the second half of the year. The industry accounts for more than 5.5 percent of the total gross domestic product in the region, underscoring the importance of travel and tourism to the vibrant economies of Asia Pacific.”

Source: PATA

Thailand Again Best in Asia

Travelers’ Choice Awards 2009: Thailand has once again shown that it is the best place in Asia for family holidays. Not only is it best for families but also for the couples. At one side it is the best bargain and the other side it suits the tourists who want to have a luxury experience.

TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 32 million monthly visitors, 9 million members, and 20 million reviews and opinions. An online survey was recently conducted and Travelers’ Choice Awards 2009 were announced, the only honors representing the unbiased opinions of millions of real travelers. Thailand has topped its many categories.

Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta proved to be the best luxury in Asia while Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok and Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui were successful to be on 3rd and 5th position in the same category. Layana Resort and Spa did not only top the Asia list but also got 2nd place in the “Top 100 Best Luxury in the world”.

In the “Top 10 Best for families in Asia” and “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia” categories, Thailand ruled with capturing 5 places as Merlin Beach Resort, Patong stands on 3rd and Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon on 5th in the former category. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi; Rimping Village, Chiang Mai and LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta were being awarded with the first three places respectively in the later category.

Thailand became number 1 and number 2 in Asia in “Top 10 Best Bargains” and “Top 10 Best for Romance” categories respectively. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi is the top bargain in the Asia while SALA Samui Resort and Spa, Koh Samui is the 2nd best romantic place in Asia.

Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui got 3rd position in “Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia” and also 5th position in “Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia”. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta was number 1 in “Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia” and number 6 in “Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia”. In the same way Rimping Village, Chiang Mai is number 2 in “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia” and number 9 in “Top 10 Best for families in Asia”.
Source: traveldailynews

Outlook for tourism to Thailand

Recovery Plan: The closure of Thailand’s main gateway airport at Suvarnabhumi between 25 November to 3 December was a completely unforeseen and unpredictable event caused by a domestic political dispute. The entire Thai tourism industry was mobilised to help the tourists, which became a top priority.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with the entire private sector provided accommodation, transportation, and meals. Some emergency flights were operated from other airports, and city terminals were established for tourists to undergo early check-in procedures. Once the all-clear was declared, the entire aviation industry moved expeditiously and urgently to get the airport open again and help visitors return home to their loved ones.

After the reopening of the airports, the recovery in visitor arrivals was almost instantaneous. This is clear proof of the high levels of confidence that visitors have in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Thai people and the Thai tourism industry.

Now a new Thai government has been formed. Furthermore, the new Minister of Tourism and Sports, His Excellency Mr. Chumpol Silpa-archa, has pledged immediately to expedite the recovery of tourism. He will work with other ministers to ensure the necessary funding and infrastructure support.

Recovery Plan
The industry’s three-point recovery plan for 2009 includes:
1) Emergency measures to restore visitor confidence,
2) Policy measures to promote more domestic travel and international visitor arrivals, and
3) Tactical marketing measures which include special campaigns, especially via online marketing.

Campaigns will focus on major markets where we will work with industry partners to launch special packages, advertise in local media, promote the Amazing Value Card and Coupon, organize media trips to Thailand, encourage overseas Thai residents to visit Thailand, and bring back seminars and exhibitions.

Final figures for 2008 will show a total of 14.3 million arrivals, which will be about the same as 2007. Although arrivals are projected to improve in the first quarter of 2009, there will definitely be lower arrivals than in the first quarter of 2008. However, there is an improvement projection in the second quarter of 2009. The target is international visitor arrivals in 2009 at about 14 million, again depending on extra budget from the government, as well as, the local, regional, and global situation.

46 new hotels are set to open this year (2009). All these hotels include both international and local hotel chains; such as,
- Ritz Hotel, Best Western, Crowne Plaza in Bangkok
- Jumeirah Phuket Private Island Resort, 65 pool villas, five-star
- Shangri-La Phuket Resort and Spa, 315 rooms, five-star
- The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, 106 rooms, five-star
- Conrad Koh Samui Resort, 79 villas, five-star
- DusitD2 Samui, 60 pool villas, boutique
- Banyan Tree Koh Samui , 100 villas, five-star
- Anantara of the Minor Group in Phangnga, five-star

They indicate an inflow of investment from all over the world, including the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

According to the Airports of Thailand, the total of Low Cost Carrier (LCC) passenger traffic at all the international airports in Thailand has risen from 7.1 million in the fiscal year of 2005 to 12.8 million in the fiscal year of 2008, a far higher growth rate than passenger movements on the regular scheduled airlines.