After accounting a substantial rise in tourist arrivals from metro cities in India, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai successfully concluded the ‘Amazing Thailand’ roadshow in Ahmedabad and Pune. The objective of the roadshow was to introduce the agents to the emerging destinations and exciting experiences that Thailand has in store for its potential visitors based in growing cities. Moreover, the roadshow is also an opportunity for the tourism board to understand how the markets operate so as to optimise the reach of the destination through strategic penetration.
India is currently holding the 6th position in the ranking of primary source markets for Thailand. Arrivals from India soared by 14 per cent to 1.46 million and the tourism board recorded a notable increase in visitors from Maharashtra (51per cent) and Gujarat (14 per cent) during 2017. To further enhance the favourable developments, the road show witnessed the presence of 34 sellers, four delegates and also the Deputy Governor for Planning from Thailand along with airline and hospitality partners. A thorough B2B session followed by a destination presentation on new routes, emerging locations, experiential activity such as Muay Thai kickboxing, community driven tourism etc was arranged to educate the travel agents on different shades of Thailand.
Kulpramote Wannalert, Director of ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Division, said, “The travel and tourism sector in India is growing at an exponential pace and outbound travel is definitely on the rise. The factors affecting the growth are easy connectivity, affordable airfare and increase in disposable income and flexible visa policies of several South East Asian countries. Making the most of the scenario, we are organizing roadshows in Ahmadabad and Pune to strengthen reach and ensure the continuous increase in arrivals.”
Cholada Siddhivarn, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai, said “India is one of our key markets which is evolving every year as the Indian travellers are now opening up to travel differently. The new age travellers are seeking adventurous and experiential modes of vacationing and Thailand as a destination can cater different arrays of activities and experiences to choose from. Hence, we are emphasizing on reaching out to the millenials and families in key metro and emerging cities through strategic communication and associations to promote segments such as luxury, family, wellness, culture and weddings. Additionally, TAT is also focusing on emerging destinations in Central, East and North of Thailand which are less explored by Indian travellers. The roadshows will act as a direct platform to engage with potential partners and drive growth in arrivals from emerging markets.”
