THAILAND TO BE NEXT HOST OF ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2008

Thailand fielded the largest sellers contingent at the 26th ASEAN tourism Forum in Singapore and is anticipating a good year ahead in the lead up to hosting the 27th ATF in Bangkok in January 2008.
The total of 112 individual hotels, tour operators and attractions comprised 20 per cent of the total number of 552 country sellers listed in the directory of the annual event held in Singapore between 29 January to 2 February 2007, the most important show on the ASEAN tourism calendar.

Numerous other Thai companies were represented as part of the 107 companies exhibiting under the corporate umbrella.

The ATF rotates annually on an alphabetical basis through the ten member countries of ASEAN – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Thailand, Lao PDR., Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia. The only country not to have hosted one so far is Myanmar.

Thailand has been reporting strong growth in visitors from ASEAN countries. In 2006, arrivals from ASEAN countries at Bangkok International Airport totalled 1.35 million, or 13.8% of total arrivals through Thailand's most important international gateway. The overall increase of 6.7% included strong growth in arrivals from Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

On the government side, the Thai delegation to the ATF was led by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Dr Suvit Yodmani, who took the opportunity to clarify Thailand's new tourism policies and promote the concept of His Majesty King Bhumibol's "sufficiency economy" principle in travel and tourism.

His Majesty is already the world's longest reigning monarch and will be celebrating his 80th birthday anniversary this year, with numerous celebrations planned in the build-up to the event on 5 December, 2007.

Thailand also participated in the meetings of the ASEAN national tourism organisations as they work towards integrating the vibrant travel and tourism sector into the wider economic, social and cultural fabric of the regional bloc.

A number of press conferences were held to outline Thailand’s tourism policies in addition to the lavish Thai night that was enjoyed by all delegates, with plenty of Thai cuisine and entertainment.

In terms of marketing and promotions, Thailand has reinstated its successful Amazing Thailand slogan to underscore the image of Thailand as a peaceful, hospitable country and a year-round tourism destination with high quality of value-for-money products and services.

Policy-wise, Thailand is shifting to focus on ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’, which means attracting ‘quality’ visitors to a ‘quality’ destination.

‘Quality visitors’ are those with high purchasing power and potential for a long average length of stay. TAT will work to boost the image of the country as a ‘quality destination’ by building and enhancing the brand image in this area.

TAT has set a 2007 target of 14.8 million international visitor arrivals and 82 million domestic trips, respectively generating estimated revenues of 547.5 billion baht for international and 377.8 billion baht for domestic.

Another important travel show, the Thailand Travel Mart+ Amazing Gateway to the Mekong Region will be held 7-10 June at the Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Centre.

This is designed to promote both Thailand as well as its neighbouring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion – Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR., Vietnam and China (Yunnan Province). All except China are also members of ASEAN.