Tourism officials ramp up marketing campaigns to target short-haul markets

Tourism officials are looking to short-haul markets to attract holidaymakers during the off-peak season, with a number of marketing events planned. Thanet Phetsuwan from the Tourism Authority of Thailand says places like India, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia are the target markets.

“This strategic push for short-haul markets aims to create a quick win, attracting both repeat and first-time visitors all year round. We will focus on quality tourists from niche segments such as wellness, weddings and honeymoons, sport tourism and luxury.”

In a Bangkok Post report today, Thanet says new transport infrastructure such as Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, as well as the M6 motorway to the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, in addition to the high-speed rail service between Laos and China, can help bring travellers from elsewhere in Southeast Asia and eventually, China.

For now, the agency is focusing on Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, as tourist numbers from those countries have already proved significant since the easing of entry restrictions and the resumption of commercial flights.

The TAT has a number of marketing events planned during the off-peak season, including bringing 40 bus operators from Malaysia to a trade meeting in Hat Yai at the end of this month, as well as taking its “Amazing Thailand Road Show” to Malaysia and Singapore in July.

The agency would also like to take the roadshow to places like Cambodia and Vietnam, and has a roadshow planned for South Korea next month. To increase demand from the Indian market, the TAT attended the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange 2022 in New Delhi this month and is also partnering with relevant airlines and tour operators in Australia to provide special packages for families, luxury travellers, golfers, and solo travellers.

In addition, the TAT will have a presence at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Asia 2022 trade show, which takes place in Singapore from October 19 – 21. Thanet adds that one of its biggest marketing events will take place from June 8 – 10 in Phuket, when the Travel Mart Plus 2022 kicks off.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post