Bangkok – February 22, 2013 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) took part in two large annual travel trade fairs in Europe – FITUR 2013 and Holiday Fair.
FITUR 2013 was held in Madrid, Spain during 30 January – 3 February, 2013, while the Holiday Fair was set in Brussels, Belgium during 2-5 February, 2013. There were 200-300 trade exhibitors from 150 countries taking part in the events and each event welcomed approximately 100,000 consumers.
TAT and the Thailand team also met with major operators in each market; such as, travelagents and alliance airlines to discuss mutual support to Thai tourism. Mr. Manit Boonchim, Executive Director, Europe, Africa and Middle East Region said the number of arrivals from the two countries tends to increase by 10-12%. This is remarkable in light of the financial difficulty that the EU is experiencing.
Together with its travel trade partners, TAT plans to undertake several marketing and public relations activities to promote Thai tourism in the markets. Its strategy is to focus on some segments that will receive the least effect from the economic crisis; such as honeymooners, couples, and business people. In addition, new flights from Brussels to Bangkok and Phuket will be a positive factor to expand the market, as are more flights from the Middle East.
In 2012, Thailand received 113,270 visitors from Spain which was an increase of 18.75% and generated income of 5.143 billion Baht, and also received 94,549 visitors from Belgium with an increase of 14.45%, generating 4.681 billion Baht.
In 2013, TAT expects the numbers of arrivals from the countries to increase by 10-12%, which will be 125,000 visitors from Spain and 104,000 visitors from Belgium.
Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4544-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.tatnews.org
