Speaking at a press conference on 1 November, the day that Thailand reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international tourists from 63 countries, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for marketing communications, said: “There is no better time to showcase new tourism products and services, as well as to [show] Thailand’s beloved attractions in a new light.”
The new marketing campaign will be divided into different chapters, with different products and services highlighted throughout the 12 months of the year.
Chapter 1 will highlight tourism products and services that awaken travellers’ five senses; such as Thai cuisine and picturesque natural scenery.
In Chapter 2, entitled The One You Love, TAT will focus on specific segments like families, couples and friends. Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, in particular, will be promoted as popular destinations for weddings and honeymooners thanks to their beaches, mountain resorts and vibrant cities.
Meanwhile, Chapter 3, named The Earth We Care, will focus on reconnecting with nature and encouraging travellers to immerse themselves in local experiences.
Thosaporn Sirisumphand, chairman of The Tourism Authority of Thailand board of directors, told TTG@WTM London that the destination’s Covid-19 Sandbox initiative, which launched on 1 July and allowed tourists to travel to certain areas of the country via certain routes and ports in accordance with vaccination and testing rules, meant the country was now fully prepared to welcome international tourists safely, quarantine-free.
He added that the next few months would be “critical” for bringing tourists back into the country.
“Q4 and Q1 [of 2022] will be critical, as it’s the high season in Thailand. We have prepared for the reopening in the last four months with Sandbox as a test case.”
While 60,000 international tourists arrived in Thailand between 1 July and 30 October as part of the Sandbox initiative, the country now hopes to welcome one million tourists in the next six months, with a target revenue of £17.87 billion next year from international tourism arrivals.
