The total number of 108 exhibitor booths as listed in the delegate directory was well ahead of the second largest country contingent, Malaysia, which had 63 exhibitor booths. They included 90 hotels and resorts, 10 tour operators, and other related tourism businesses.

The 28th ATF was attended by a record number of delegates, including 370 buyers from 52 countries and 383 sellers from the 10 ASEAN countries.

Amongst the buyers, India was the biggest delegation with 21% of total buyers. Altogether, 60.3% of the buyers were from the Asia Pacific, 30.8% from Europe, 6% from the Americas, and 2.7% from the Middle East.

This year’s ATF had special business opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand to sell their products. Of the 28 new SMEs exhibiting their products, 22 were hotels, especially those categorized as boutique properties. These fashionable and intimate products are being marketed under the slogan: ‘CHIC By Thailand’.

ASEAN arrivals to Thailand comprise the biggest market share of all visitors. International visitor arrivals to Thailand by Nationality in 2009 totalled 14.09 million of whom 3.92 million visitors were from ASEAN countries. This was a small decline of only 1.2% over 2008.

Malaysia topped the list with 1.73 million arrivals, followed by Lao PDR 639,692 and Singapore 563,191. Other markets that showed growth during the period included Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Vietnam. The markets that showed decline were the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia.

TAT is projecting 15-15.5 million international visitor arrivals to Thailand by this year. This is assuming there are no further global crises.

The ATF 2010 also presented an opportunity for the new TAT Governor, Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, to introduce himself to his colleagues amongst the ASEAN national tourism organisations.

In the Thailand media briefing, Mr. Suraphon highlighted Thailand’s long-standing contributions to the cause of ASEAN tourism.

“The ATF is the first international travel trade show that I am attending since my appointment. I am looking forward to the challenge of heading TAT at a time when both Thailand and indeed the ASEAN tourism industry are both at a very critical juncture in their development paths.”

The Governor said Thailand is “very proud of the leadership role we have played in enhancing the role, image, and status of both the Thai and ASEAN tourism industries.”

He said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International. “Both TAT and Thai Airways have helped grow regional tourism by bringing more visitors to this part of the world and raising its international profile.”

He noted that the historic campaigns to promote Bangkok as an aviation hub of Asia helped to attract scheduled and charter airlines. Unique marketing and branding campaigns like the Visit Thailand Year 1987 were copied all around the world and also led to the famous “Visit ASEAN Year” in 1992.

He noted that the development of the Thai tourism industry has also contributed to the development of the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific tourism industries. “Many of our senior industry leaders, including our early TAT governors, were heavily involved in the promotion of ASEAN tourism.

“Thailand also played a lead role in the establishment of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office which helped set the stage for strong promotions of the Greater Mekong Subregion after the entrance of Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar into ASEAN.

We in Thailand are very proud to have done more than our fair share for the promotion of economic progress, jobs, culture, and heritage in the entire region.

The governor said that the travel and tourism industry “has changed beyond recognition thanks to technology, research, investment trends and marketing campaigns.”

He added, “The challenge of creating growth is over, the challenge of managing this growth has begun. This will mean finding new ways of attracting customers, delivering the promise, dealing with crisis and underwriting sustainability.

“There is no shortage of people wanting to travel. The key is to bring them to our doors, keep them coming back and get them to encourage their friends, families and business colleagues coming as well.

“We will need to become more creative in our online marketing strategies. But we will also have to ensure that the destinations and products we offer maintain the qualitative edge.

“We cannot just focus on average daily expenditure. We also have to ensure that the environmental impact is kept to a minimum. If the first 50 years of tourism development was focussed largely on maximising the economic returns, the next 50 years will require an equivalent focus on minimising the ecological impact.

“It is my firm belief that we in Thailand and the ASEAN tourism sector at large are more than ready to face these new challenges. The future lies in Asia and the upcoming partnerships between ASEAN, India, China, Russia, and our other dialogue partners almost guarantees that we will succeed.

“I can safely say that we in Thailand will live up to our claim to be a truly Amazing Thailand in terms of marketing strategies, product development, sustainability and service delivery,” Mr. Suraphon said.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Royal Trophy brings together the Continents of Europe and Asia for a highly competitive and emotionally-charged team match-play epic Championship featuring sixteen foursomes, four-ball and singles matches. The Continents are respectively represented by their very best professional golfers in the quest for the Championship’s Principal Award — the honour of stewardship of the perpetual sixteen-kilogramme solid-silver Royal Trophy, which was graciously donated by the world’s longest reigning monarch — His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The Majestic Competition was created through the vision of the legendary five-time Major winner Severiano Ballesteros.

The third edition of the Royal Trophy, held in January 2009 was a tremendous success. The event attracted record galleries for Asian golf and featured a highly competitive spirit throughout the matches.

Under the captaincy of thirty-five time tournament title winner Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki the Asian Team recorded a colossal and historic victory over the Europeans with Asia’s top Players producing golf of tremendous quality and demonstrating the highest level of determination. Overall the Royal Trophy registered spectator attendance of over 40,000 at the golf course.

The fourth edition of the Royal Trophy is scheduled to take place on January 8-10, 2010 and is expected to be an even greater success. Following Asia’s colossal win in 2009, the Europeans will certainly be on a most important mission to regain stewardship over the coveted Royal Trophy. However, Asia is set to deliver its very best golfing talent to defend its position as Royal Trophy champions.

Japanese golfing giant Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki continues his captaincy of the Asian Team and has already nominated seven of the eight Players who will comprise the Asian defense — eighteen-year-old global sensation — Ryo Ishikawa; Asia’s number one Player — Thongchai Jaidee; ten-time Tour title winner — Prayad Marksaeng; the Japan Tour’s current number one Player — Yuta Ikeda; the winner of a multitude European and Asian Tour titles — Charlie Wi; two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion — Jeev Milkha Singh; and China’s number one golfer — Liang Wen-chong.

Current European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie will lead the European challenge against Asia and already counts with world number seven — Henrik Stenson, 2008 European Order of Merit champion — Robert Karlsson and current European number three — Martin Kaymer. The early appointments of three of Europe’s longest hitters and most accomplished golfers is the Continent’s clear notice that eight-time Ryder Cup Player and eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Montgomerie is in the process of constructing a fantastic team to take the challenge to Asia in Thailand in January 2010.

The fourth edition of the Royal Trophy promises to be a golfing battle for the ages.

Source: The Royal Trophy release

Maria Sharapova Venus Williams

The Nation Hua Hin – Russian glamour girl Maria Sharapova enjoyed a stylish start to the season, subduing Venus Williams 63 64 in the Hua Hin Centennial Invitational at the Centennial Park on Saturday.

Around 4,000 fans defied the scorching heat to witness the two Titans of women’s tennis clash but the match was a bit below expectaฌtions. Among the spectators was Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

While Sharapova was sharp and blasted her trademark heavy groundฌstrokes from everywhere on the court, Williams was a step slower and errors kept coming from her racquet.

The Russian broke Venus three times in the first set. Although Williams elevated the level of her game in the second set, she could not find answers to Sharapova’s flat and explosive shots especially from the backhand side.

“I’m happy to play against her in the first match of the season. You never know what’s going to happen but I’m happy that I won,” said Sharapova, who also beat Venus in their previous exhibition match in Chiang Mai five years ago.

“I still remember when I first came here [in 2005]. I was still young and had a great match with Venus.”

She later teamed up with Danai Udomchoke and lost to Paradorn Srichaphan and Williams 68 in an entertaining mixed doubles. Sharapova was a bit surprised by Paradorn’s mohawk hairdo with which he is appearing in the upcomฌing Bangrajan II movie.

“It looks like a mohawk to me. But it’s nothing new to me because we also have this in my country,” said Sharapova who will give alms to monks this morning on the beach and train before leaving for another exhibition game in Hong Kong on January 4.

“I will practice tomorrow and use this beautiful hot weather to prepare for Australian Open. As for the plans for the season, I want to be healthy, get stronger and enjoy my matches,” said the world No 14, who was impressed by the local hospitality.

“People greet you from the first step off the aeroplane. It makes you feel like you’re part of the people and part of the culture. I also love the food, “Khao” [rice] with different spices,” said Sharapova. Williams took her defeat in a philosophical way and added that she had difficulty finding momentum.

“Maria played so well,” Williams said. “I was slow in my first match of the season. It’s good to be here hitting the ball.”

She said she will put the loss behind and get ready to go for shopฌping. She still remembers a few Thai phrases for bargaining.

“I can say “Lod Noi” [Please reduce the price] and “Paeng Pai” [Too expensive],” said a friendly and relaxed Williams, who was astonished to know that Paradorn plays a warฌrior in a new film.

“[His hair] is cool. I should have been invited to play in the movie too,” said Williams who will also play in Hong Kong where she will meet Paradorn again. Like Sharapova, the exhibition will be her final warmup for the Australian Open.

Source : The Nation

Maya Beach in Phi Phi Leh

Holidays to Thailand ‘could be a perfect Valentine’s break’

Anyone intending to jet abroad to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year may be interested in some recommendations of the most romantic destinations around the world.

People planning a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day may be in need of some inspiration about where to take that special someone.

The International Currency Exchange (ICE) has made some suggestions about the best places to visit, including one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.

Maya Beach in Phi Phi Leh is one of the company’s top tips for people seeking a break a little further afield than the usual hotspots of Paris and Rome.

According to ICE, the Thai destination “offers sun, sea and sand in spades as well as fantastic value for money”.

Dinner for two can cost as little as 200 baht (£3.73), although it did note that wine is not always available and can be comparatively expensive.

Andrew Hamilton, head of marketing for ICE, noted: “Exotic locations such as the Caribbean, India and Thailand could be the perfect place to melt your loved one’s heart.”

Author John Burdett recently described Bangkok as “a hub of influences” in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

He also noted that there are a number of inexpensive options for eating out in the Thai capital.

Written by Anthony Nicholson Source TAT

Nok Mini Airline

Nok Mini Airline saw the potential of the tourism of Nan, the land of eastern Lanna civilization; and decided to increase more flights from Chiang Mai. Owning that Nan could be grouped as a new tourism destination, it is becoming popular among both Thai and foreign tourists, and the number of visitors is increasing continuously, Nok Mini considered opening the new route from Chiang Mai to Nan since last December. After that, as its overall outcome was going well, Nok Mini launched more 2 flights in February 1, 2010.

Mr.Wanchai Choungchaikitjakarn, Vice President of Sell and Marketing Department, Nok Mini Airline, revealed that Nok Mini Airline had an intention to be a part of the development of Nan’ s economy and tourism. Also, as the airline aware of the convenient, easy, and fast journey of Nan and Chiang Mai people, the new route from Chiang Mai to Nan was opened since 5 December last year. At first, there were two flights a day. Then, as a result of a great number of passengers, the flights became 4 flights a day. The Vice President also thanked all passengers as they supported Nok Mini as always.

Mr. Wisoot Buachoom, Director, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phrae Office, stated that it’s a pleasure that Nan’s tourism had a progress in a clear cut way. He also predicted that the tourism here would be a sustainable tourism, since the provincial organizations were mainly focusing on quality rather than focusing only on quantity. In other words, not only will tourists get back with joy but also get knowledge of eastern lanna civilization as a gift.

In order to get along with the way of Nan’s tourism, focus on culture and nature, TAT in corporate with many organizations ran the project called “Tiew Nan Sodsai Saijai Sing Wadlom” or “Enjoy Travel Nan, Care Environment” under the “Seven Greens” campaign, the Director added. The project encourages tourists to travel around the inner city of Nan by green vehicles such as tram, bicycles, and tricycles. Moreover, if tourists are interested in green adventure activities, they can find rafting to do at Nam Wa River; the famous white water rafting in Nan Province.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Phrae Province, Phrae Provincial Administration Organization, Cho Hae Municipality, Cho Hae Temple in cooperate with related organizations will organize the remarkable religious festival “Wai Phrathat Cho Hae Mueng Phrae Hae Tungluang” during 22 – 28 February, 2010.

The festival aims at preserving Phrae important old tradition, promoting the tourism of Phrae, and bringing tourists to Phrae Province all this year round. Importantly, it is an annual festival that many travelers who were born in the year of the tiger are waiting to pay homage to the Phrathat (Cho Hae Pagoda) as it is a pagoda of that year.

Mr. Wisoot Buachoom, Director, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phrae Office, stated that the tourism of Phrae has been growing in a good direction since a travel season at the end of last year. This year Phrae Province was promoted as a year of a commune of people who were born in the year of tiger. In the past, Phrae was perceived as a passage way to other provinces. After there were extreme boost of the tourism in the southern area of the north, Phrae Nan Uttaradit became recognized by many visitors.

The Director also added that “Wai Phrathat Cho Hae Mueng Phrae Hae Tungluang” is an annual festival. This year the festival will be held during 22 – 28 February, 2010 at Cho Hae Temple, Mueng District, Phrae. The activities in the festival will start on 22 February with the parades of 8 districts of Phrae Province. The following days, there will be Tak Bart (give food offerings to a Buddhist monk), to do a merit in Buddhist style, Vien Tien (walk with lighted candles in hand clockwise round a temple). Moreover, there will be Tes Maha Chat Contest, the cultural activities such as Sabadchai drum contest as well as various local traditional performances.

In addition, around Cho Hae temple area, there are many interesting tourist attractions such as Cho Hae Pagoda, Lanna style Buddhist sanctuary, Tun Jai Buddha image, holy spring, ancient bell etc.

For more information: TAT

After the launched The Ultimate Thailand Explorers campaign by Tourism Authority of Thailand on September 1, 2009 to encourage travelers from around the world to submit video clips, there were 356 teams from 59 countries participating in the competition.

The five finalists with the most votes from around the world were invited to compete in the final round in Thailand on December 8-17, 2009. Each team was required to take a trip to a destination according to the assignments identified and promote Tourism in Thailand via online media throughout the world. Finally after the intensive competition for a year, the couple winners with the most votes is team AubParkThailand, the teachers from America with 22,559 votes taking the grand award as the winner and grand prize 10,000 USD in cash with other awards valued 15,000 USD.

The following team as the second is the writer and the owner of a traveling company from Philippines with 17,063 votes, also receiving the award as The Best Promotion Blog. Then team Sabai Sabai, the photographers from America with 10,775 votes is the third winners, grasping the award, The Best Amazing Thailand Amazing Value video as well.

Mr. Surapon Svetsreni, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, remarked

“The Ultimate Thailand Explorers campaign has achieved the objectives expected by TAT in aspects of awareness, created throughout the world via page views, 41,906,182 in 5 months and from the interest of international media publishing the campaign via 512,808 clips. For the participation as the important for the marketing, this campaign can attract the tourists so much from the 356 clips from 59 countries and 35,316 applications to the campaign. According to the return on investment, TAT has spent the budget on this project 18.5 millions bath as equal as 44 stangs per a foreigner to have awareness of Thailand.

Furthermore, importantly, the 5 team finalists has created digital content like photographs, videos, blogs, lyrics and music, traveling column as well as information of the participators, 35,316 name lists. All are valuable digital assets for TAT because we can use them for the marketing communication in the future. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

ENGROSS THE BEAUTY OF CHOMPOO PHU KHA IN BLOOM

Nan is one of the towns that sustains its own culture reflected by its ancient remains, architecture, pieces of art, as well as the various tribes’ ways of life. Nowadays, even with modernity intruding, Nan remarkably still preserves its own cultural root with a combination of new things. Not only its unique culture, but also its rich nature interests tourists and brings them here.

At present, Nan is becoming popular among Thai tourists, especially families, working groups, as well as the elderly. Many visitors have continuously come to Nan since October last year. Particularly in this month of love, February, until March, tourists are heading to perceive the beauty of Chompoo Phu Kha.

Chompoo Phu Kha was named by her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The flower, whose colour is a combination of pink and white, is one of the rarest flowers in the world. It is only found at Doi Phu Kha (Doi Phu Kha National Park), Pua district, Nan. It used to be found in the south of China and the north of Vietnam; however, there has been no record of its discover until 2009 when it was found again by Dr.Thawatchai Santisuk, a significant botanist, at Doi Phu Kha National Park.

This year, the flowers’ blossom is expected to begin from February until the middle of March. Additionally, during 19-21 February, Pua district will organize the fair “Chompoo Phu Kha Suep San Tamnan Thai Lue”. This fair aims at promoting the tourism of Nan as well. Moreover, TAT Phrae Office recommends tourists visiting Hua Wan Mueng Kao or the inner cultural area of Nan where many tourist attractions can be found. Right here, visitors could travel around by themselves or by tram. Along the way to Nan, tourists could pray homage to Phrathat Cho Hae (Cho Hae Pagoda), the pagoda of the year of the tiger, Phrae province.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2010 / flickr.com

Visit one of the popular destinations for Chinese New Year Celebration, a city so-called “Pak Nam Pho” – Nakhon Sawan. Pay respect to the Chinese gods and goddesses as well as enjoy the wonderful performances throughout the event i.e. Chinese cultural performance, Chinese puppet from Beijing, Chinese Acrobatic etc. Partake in the Chinese New Year Countdown ceremony on 13 February 2010

Experience the Chinese puppet of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during 15-16 February 2010. One of the recommended things to do is witness the big and beautiful procession, specially presented in the Chinese New Year Festival. (16 February 2010 (nighttime) and 17 February 2010 (daytime).

Date : 7 – 18 February, 2010
Venue : Talat Pak Nam Pho and along the Chao Phraya River, Nakhon Sawan

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thailand’s top destinations celebrate Chinese New Year in style with magnificent arts and colourful cultural performances presented by artists from 10 provinces in China. These visiting groups provide rare insights into China’s vast cultural diversity with authentic demonstrations of Shaolin Kung Fu and acrobatics, Chinese opera, traditional puppet demonstrations, mask-changing dances, and Chinese music performances. There are also tribal dances from Tibet and Mongolia.

One of the main venues in Bangkok is the city’s Chinatown, a fascinating maze of streets and lanes crammed with shops, restaurants and street-side stalls. But there are celebrations to mark the arrival of the Year of the Tiger in the city’s up-scale shopping district around Central World Plaza and the National Theatre next to Sanam Luang.

Chinese communities abound in various provinces in Thailand, so visitors are never too far from the colourful, robust celebrations that mark the arrival of the New Year. Phuket town on the southern island is an important venue for both religious and social celebrations. Ayutthaya 70 km north of Bangkok is another popular venue, while Pattaya on the eastern seaboard, Chiang Mai in the north and Songkhla on the southern coastline of the Gulf of Thailand are equally impressive places to visit during Chinese New Year celebrations. TAT