With such devastating terrorist attacks and also the resulting
With such devastating terrorist attacks and also the resulting uncertainties that now prevail around the world, there has been a crisis of confidence in which all industries (from the service industry to manufacturing) must respond with decisiveness and resolve.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, with the full support of the Royal Thai Government, firmly believes that despite the tension in the world and low-expectation in the travel industry, the promotion of the country's tourism sectors, one of the country's most important industries, should continue to be a top priority.
So, TAT has set a target of making Thailand the "Tourism Capital of Asia" in 2003 by positioning and promoting it as a truly quality destination.
TAT is projecting about 11.13 million international visitors in 2003, an increase of 6 percent over 2002. This will generate an estimated 360.6 billion baht in foreign exchange revenue, up 11.50 percent over the projected earnings for 2002.
The Thailand tourism industry is facing intensive competition world-wide for more market share, and needs to ensure that TAT will maintain strong brand-image and positioning through well- targeted campaigns in all target markets.
Therefore, the main tourism promotion and marketing theme "Amazing Thailand - Experience Variety" will be maintained in 2003.
For the Indonesian market, besides the regular classic destinations (Bangkok - Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket), new promoted destinations such as Hua Hin (famous for its Royal Palace and Koh Samui (island/beach resort) have been step-by-step acknowledged by the market.
Some niche markets that are now being developed in the Indonesian market are:
A. Golf. With various international-standard golf courses that located in the Kingdom, Thailand can offer many worthy golf tour packages. Golf players can enjoy good facilities and services with a competitive price.
B. Health & Beauty. For those who want to pamper themselves with various health and beauty treatment, they could come to Thailand and enjoy thematic spa including Thai Health Message.
C. Special Interested Group. Thai cooking and agrotourism also have been very popular in the Indonesian market. A visit to various cooking schools in hotels (modern) and traditional houses has produce memorable experience and knowledge. Also some Plantation Trips can enhance the people's curiosity about the benefit of agricultural products.
D. Long Stay Program, Medical Check-Up. Bangkok offers several internationally accredited hospitals, which are fully equipped with experienced and reliable medical team assistance. So, an Overseas Medical Check-Up in Bangkok is a combination between reliable report and competitive expenses.
E. MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition). Thailand, especially Bangkok is backed up by several international meeting venues that can fit with all the MICE requirements. From service industry to manufacturing - international events have taken place in Thailand, and are still growing.
Last year (2001) there were 153,450 tourists from Indonesia (local and expatriates), a 5.5 percent increase from 145,066 in 2000. A five to six percent increase is TAT's expectation for this market.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Indonesia Representative Office Apartemen Metro Sunter Blok II - Ground Floor Unit 112 A, Jalan Metro Kencana V - Jakarta 14340 Tel: 021 - 6530 3173 Fax: 021 - 6530 3173 Mobile Phone: 0818 93 26 93 E-mail: danadi@dnet.net.id