With Thailand facing a tourist slump, the country is gearing up to woo visitors, particularly from India, reports Rakesh Kumar
The recent political turmoil in Thailand may have been a deterrent to
those planning a holiday there. Yet, the country is not ready to give
up on its "most preferred travel destination" tag. With tourism
contributing around nine per cent of its GDP, Thailand is keen to send
the message that all is well and tourists are as welcome as before."Can you imagine a country facing political upheaval holding domestic festivals back to back?" asked
Runjuan Tongrut, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). "No...this is a sign of a (peaceful) country."
In the first four months of this year, Thailand has seen a five per cent dip in tourist arrival and officials expect this figure to rise further. As for Indian tourists, every year around one million visitors have been holidaying in Thailand. However, due to political unrest in the country, their footfall is likely to decrease. But Tongrut, who was in India for a roadshow, remained optimistic. "For the past three years, we have been getting around one million Indian tourists. This year too, we are expecting the same number."
In the roadshow held in the Capital last week, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcased a whole gamut of products and services, ranging from culture and entertainment options to theme parks as well as health and wellness, from tour operators to airlines and hotels. Pointing to the continued interest of tourists to Thailand, Tongrut explained how the country offered a lot by way of wedding celebrations, golf, health and wellness, adventure sports as well as women's programmes.
"Over 100 Indian weddings have been held in Thailand over the past few years and celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries and graduation parties are being held in Thailand," said the director. "And day by day, we are getting more inquiries in this area, showing that the situation is normal."
Among other initiatives that Thailand is taking to encourage Indian tourists, festivals are organised to coincide with their holidays. These festivals include Dok Krachiao Blossom Festival, Rafting in Pai River, Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Suphan Buri's Tulip festival and much more.
After Delhi, the Thailand Tourism roadshow will visit Jaipur and Bhubneshwar to apprise people there about places of tourist interest such as Ayutthya, Sukhothai , Khao Yai, Rayong, Koh Chang, Chantaburi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, Krabi, Phuket, HuaHin/Cha-am, Pranburi, Kanchanburi, Trang, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
