TAT targets Spanish, Japanese markets

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hopes to see a surge in the number of visitors from Spain, following its participation in the Feria Internacional de Turismo 2009 tourism trade show in that country earlier this month.

The TAT took its “Seven Wonders of Amazing Thailand” roadshow campaign to Spain, which is emerging as a valuable market for Thai tourism. Four Thai hotel operators and 12 travel companies participated.

Tourist arrivals from Spain – particularly to Phuket – are increasing due to a rise in the number of direct charter flights, TAT Governor Phornsiri Manoharn said.

The TAT also hopes Japanese tourists will return to Thailand in greater numbers following a recent visit to that country by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mrs Phornsiri said that TAT officials met with representatives of Japanese travel companies, tourism associations and well as government bodies to discuss a rebuilding plan following last year’s political turmoil in the kingdom.

Last year, 1.2 million Japanese visited Thailand, generating Bt42 billion in revenue.

Japan was the second largest income generator in 2008, following the United Kingdom.

Phuket is the second favorite destination for Japanese tourists to Thailand, after Bangkok.

Japanese tourists spend an average of 7.5 days in Thailand and 64.1% of arrivals have been in the country before, according to TAT figures.

The Japanese inbound market is one of potential for all countries, as the Japanese government is encouraging its citizens to travel abroad under its Visit World Campaign (VWC), which started last year and runs through 2010.

The Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) projected more than 20 million Japanese would join the campaign this year, up from 17 million movements last year.

To tap as much of this as possible, the TAT will hold its next “Thailand Mega Familiarization Trip” February 24 to 26, flying in 450 travel agents and media to get up-to-date information about the tourism situation in the kingdom.

In its bid to woo Japanese visitors, the TAT will be focusing its efforts on three market segments: wealthy and middle aged, family and young travelers.

— The Nation / Phuket Gazette news pool