A record 15,000 establishments in seven of Thailand’s most important tourism cities are participating in the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014”, which will be held from 15 June to 15 August, 2014, making it the biggest ever.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a special website to promote the annual shopping event, which will be held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Samui. Participants include department stores, shopping centers, accommodation, spa and beauty, golf courses, entertainment centers and restaurants.
The website (www.thailand shoppingparadise.com) of this year’s Grand Sale includes a Shopping Tips feature to help visitors get better deals, understand the VAT refund process and avoid buying sub-standard products. A special section has also been created to promote the locally-made OTOP products, income from which goes a long way towards boosting rural income and supporting local artisans.
As in previous years, the Grand Sale is designed to boost tourism and visitor expenditure, further building the image of Thailand as a major shopping destination, and contributing to job creation and distribution of income nationwide.
TAT Governor, Thawatchai Arunyik said, “This year’s Grand Sale has a special meaning because it will be an important part of our tourism recovery strategy for 2014. This campaign will help provoke an income to tourism sectors and entrepreneurs in the participating areas and we hope visitors will take full advantage of the great discounts.”
There are two activities during “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014” as follows:
Up to 80% discounts at department stores, shopping centers, shops, spas, hotels and other Grand Sale participants.
Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Shopping Challenge; On June 18, 2014, well known celebrities in various fields from Asian countries will have a shopping competition in participating complexes and centers. A total of 15 teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Taiwan, China, Japan and Korea are competing this year. The winning team will receive a cash prize of 100,000 baht.
This year’s Grand Sale has been enhanced by two lucky-draw prizes of “Travel 365 days in Thailand” for two couples (one from abroad, one local) to enjoy a trip within Thailand. Visitors will get a coupon from participating partners, which upon expenditure of every 500 baht by cash or any credit card at any one place. However, if they pay by VISA card, they will get two coupons.
The coupons can be dropped into the lucky draw drop box. The winning couples will get free Thai Airways’ return air-tickets and Centara’s hotels & resorts chain. As for the prize, the winning couples can take their trip any time within 365 days.
TAT estimates that tourist spending on shopping via credit cards alone will grow by 20% over last year.
In 2013, Thailand attracted 26.5 million international visitors, a growth of 27.03% over 2012.
For further details, please check out www.thailand shoppingparadise.com
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