Thailand's tourism industry will grow by less than 8% next year as negative factors including slower economic growth, politics and the social divide will persist, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The TAT board believed the negative factors would affect both visitor numbers and spending, governor Surapol Svetaseni said yesterday.
Promotions intended to restore confidence may have an impact on tour prices, while tourists, who face external negative factors, will shorten stays and cut spending, he added.
The TAT has been forecasting 8% annual growth for tourism, but the industry has been struggling since 2008 and 8% annual growth is no longer achievable, it believes.
In the 2011 fiscal year that begins tomorrow, the TAT will receive 5.24 billion baht, an increase of 15% from this year.
It will proceed with two campaigns to promote Thai tourism both locally (1.37 billion baht) and overseas (2.92 billion), and other marketing campaigns costing 940 million baht.
For international markets, the TAT has set a budget of 550 million baht for building the country's image, 500 million for expanding the tourist base, and 330 million baht for campaigns focusing on "quality tourists".
Another 531 baht will be used to increase competitiveness on the international stage. The rest will go to running its overseas offices.
The TAT will focus on "emotional marketing", aiming to "re-image" Thai tourism, under the campaign "Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You".
In the local market, the agency will spend 62% of its budget on activities and projects.
It will spend 280 million baht promoting travel as part of life. It will spend 230 million promoting trans-regional tourism, 220 million promoting local uniqueness, 80 million on tourist awareness, and 40 million on promoting learning during trips.
The other 38% will fund administration and operations.
Friday, October 1, 2010
TAT RELEASE -- Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room
Bangkok, September 27, 2010 — Long-standing friends and supporters of the Thai tourism industry, as well as some of its best products and tour guides, were conferred well-deserved awards at a cocktail reception organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on 27 September, 2010, in Bangkok.
The 8th Thailand Tourism Awards, 7th Friends of Thailand Awards, and 6th Tourist Guide Awards were conferred on a total of 283 recipients at the function organised at the Centara Grand Hotel.
The event was simultaneously organised to commemorate World Tourism Day as well as being held in the year marking the 50th Anniversary of the founding of TAT.
All three awards are designed to promote the professionalism, standards, and image of the Thai tourism industry, recognised as one of the country's most important contributors to economic and social development.
The Thailand Tourism Awards
Initiated by TAT since 1996 and held bi-annually, these awards are aimed at motivating both private and public tourism-related organisations to conserve the country's natural and cultural resources and promote sustainable tourism development.
This year, the judges selected 32 Awards of Excellence and 80 Awards of Outstanding Performance out of a total of 112 nominees.
The awards have gained wide recognition both within Thailand and abroad. The Panel of Judges comprises a panel of industry specialists and key academics chaired by Dr Suvit Rasmibhuti.
The Awards are statuettes of a Thai mythical half-human-half bird creature, Kinaree, certified by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).
The Friends of Thailand Awards
These awards honour foreign individuals and companies worldwide, who have contributed to the success of the Thai tourism industry.
A total of 75 persons or organisations from 57 countries received the Awards in four award categories including tour operators (26), international airlines (8), international media (23), as well as individual supporters and groups (18).
The Tourist Guide Awards
These are conferred on dedicated and professional tour guides to encourage them to aspire to high service standards as well as to encourage other tour guides to follow suit.
They recognise the fact that tour guides are perhaps one of the most important points of contact for any visitor and play a critical role in helping promote a better understanding of a country's culture and traditions.
A total of 96 Awards were awarded to tour guides in specific areas of expertise as well as to the best guides in each of the four Thai geographical regions: Central and Eastern region (55), Northern region (28), and Southern region (13).
Please click here to view a full list of the award winners.
8th Thailand Tourism Awards
Contact information:
International Public Relations 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
The 8th Thailand Tourism Awards, 7th Friends of Thailand Awards, and 6th Tourist Guide Awards were conferred on a total of 283 recipients at the function organised at the Centara Grand Hotel.
The event was simultaneously organised to commemorate World Tourism Day as well as being held in the year marking the 50th Anniversary of the founding of TAT.
All three awards are designed to promote the professionalism, standards, and image of the Thai tourism industry, recognised as one of the country's most important contributors to economic and social development.
The Thailand Tourism Awards
Initiated by TAT since 1996 and held bi-annually, these awards are aimed at motivating both private and public tourism-related organisations to conserve the country's natural and cultural resources and promote sustainable tourism development.
This year, the judges selected 32 Awards of Excellence and 80 Awards of Outstanding Performance out of a total of 112 nominees.
The awards have gained wide recognition both within Thailand and abroad. The Panel of Judges comprises a panel of industry specialists and key academics chaired by Dr Suvit Rasmibhuti.
The Awards are statuettes of a Thai mythical half-human-half bird creature, Kinaree, certified by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).
The Friends of Thailand Awards
These awards honour foreign individuals and companies worldwide, who have contributed to the success of the Thai tourism industry.
A total of 75 persons or organisations from 57 countries received the Awards in four award categories including tour operators (26), international airlines (8), international media (23), as well as individual supporters and groups (18).
The Tourist Guide Awards
These are conferred on dedicated and professional tour guides to encourage them to aspire to high service standards as well as to encourage other tour guides to follow suit.
They recognise the fact that tour guides are perhaps one of the most important points of contact for any visitor and play a critical role in helping promote a better understanding of a country's culture and traditions.
A total of 96 Awards were awarded to tour guides in specific areas of expertise as well as to the best guides in each of the four Thai geographical regions: Central and Eastern region (55), Northern region (28), and Southern region (13).
Please click here to view a full list of the award winners.
8th Thailand Tourism Awards
Contact information:
International Public Relations 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 Committed to Democracy: Foreign Minister
Thailand is committed to the principles of democracy and human rights, the South-East Asian nation's Foreign Minister told the UN General Assembly today, stressing that the Government is striving to heal political and social divisions within the country.
The country was rocked by deadly political violence earlier this year between anti-Government protesters and security forces.
"But history has shown that Thailand is a resilient country and her people are capable of overcoming whatever challenges thrown before them," Kasit Piromya told the Assembly's annual high-level debate on its last day.
The country, he said continues to be a functioning democracy, albeit a relatively young one.
The Government has launched a national reconciliation plan and set up independent committees to find ways to reform the country, Mr. Piromya said.
"Human rights remain the cornerstone of the Government's policy," he stressed, noting that an independent fact-finding commission has been established to look into the "tragic events" earlier this year.
The Government also is very cognizant that some of the political grievances in Thailand are a result of economic disparities, and is endeavouring to bridge the gaps through universal healthcare schemes, the minister said.
It is also providing 15 years of free education, training programmes for the unemployed and support for those who earn low incomes, farmers, the elderly and people with disabilities.
"Our stimulus packages would benefit not only the overall economy, but especially those who are economically and socially disadvantaged and disenfranchised."
Despite the turmoil earlier this year, Thailand's economy continues to be robust and exports continue to grow steadily, Mr. Piromya said.
"I think we have proven to the world the strength of our national character and the resilience of our nation," he said. "Despite the tragic incidents, Thailand has continued to move forwards, not merely for the benefit of the country but also for the international community."
The country was rocked by deadly political violence earlier this year between anti-Government protesters and security forces.
"But history has shown that Thailand is a resilient country and her people are capable of overcoming whatever challenges thrown before them," Kasit Piromya told the Assembly's annual high-level debate on its last day.
The country, he said continues to be a functioning democracy, albeit a relatively young one.
The Government has launched a national reconciliation plan and set up independent committees to find ways to reform the country, Mr. Piromya said.
"Human rights remain the cornerstone of the Government's policy," he stressed, noting that an independent fact-finding commission has been established to look into the "tragic events" earlier this year.
The Government also is very cognizant that some of the political grievances in Thailand are a result of economic disparities, and is endeavouring to bridge the gaps through universal healthcare schemes, the minister said.
It is also providing 15 years of free education, training programmes for the unemployed and support for those who earn low incomes, farmers, the elderly and people with disabilities.
"Our stimulus packages would benefit not only the overall economy, but especially those who are economically and socially disadvantaged and disenfranchised."
Despite the turmoil earlier this year, Thailand's economy continues to be robust and exports continue to grow steadily, Mr. Piromya said.
"I think we have proven to the world the strength of our national character and the resilience of our nation," he said. "Despite the tragic incidents, Thailand has continued to move forwards, not merely for the benefit of the country but also for the international community."
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