Tourism
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Thais expect 15m rise in guests
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Thailand said on Tuesday it expects a rise of up to ten per cent in the number of tourists travelling to the kingdom next year, after political turmoil contributed to a drop in visitors in 2009. -- PHOTO: TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILANDBANGKOK - THAILAND said on Tuesday it expects a rise of up to ten per cent in the number of tourists travelling to the kingdom next year, after political turmoil contributed to a drop in visitors in 2009.
'There will be 15.0 to 15.5 million tourists,' the tourism and sports ministry said in a statement on projections for 2010.
It said the industry would campaign worldwide to promote Thailand as a holiday destination, with the priority of attracting more visitors from South and Southeast Asia, France and Britain. 'The tourism industry will improve if there are no major political incidents or other kind of threats,' the statement added.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 09:15:43 AM EST
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Budget airline to bring more South Koreans to Thailand
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Seoul - A low-frills airline linking Seoul and Bangkok will boost South Korean tourist numbers in Thailand, a tourism official said Tuesday.
Budget carrier Jin Air Co, which is wholly owned by Korean Air launched its first international route on Monday, linking Incheon airport with Bangkok.
Jin Air plans to operate daily flights with a ticket price about 20 to 30 per cent below other airlines' rates.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 09:04:27 AM EST
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Bangkok Airport Hotels and Flight Carriers Get International Recognition of Excellence
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Novotel Suvarnabhumi has won awards for the Best Airport Hotel in Asia, and consistently ranks very highly in traveler reviews. Bangkok Airways, the flight carrier which brings many of Novotel Suvarnabhumi's guests to Thailand, recently joined the popular Bangkok airport hotel on the podium.
In 2008, shortly after opening, Novotel Suvarnabhumi airport hotel scooped the 'Best Airport Hotel' award at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards. Mr Tristan Beau de Lomenie accepted the award, saying that " I personally believe that our uniqueness in facilities and, more importantly, service quality has distinguished us as an outstanding Bangkok airport hotel ".
Novotel Suvarnabhumi airport hotel holds excellent rankings on a wide range of travel review sites, including:
*#68 of 530 hotels in Bangkok on TripAdvisor, and the highest ranked of all
Bangkok airport hotels on the site
*A 5.1 out of 6 ranking on HolidayCheck.com
*A 4.0 out of 5.0 ranking on HotelsCombined.com
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Mon Sep 28, 2009 at 11:27:34 PM EST
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Bangkok tops affordability chart
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Bangkok is one of the world's cheapest destinations for a city break, according to a new study by Virgin Money Travel Insurance.
The company researched the cost of car hire, accommodation and other holiday products in 20 of the world's leading holiday cities and found that the Thai capital was the most affordable.
Dublin was a fairly distant second, while Prague, Stockholm and Sydney completed the top five.
The cost of flights was not included in the research, which concluded that New York is the most expensive destination for a two-night break, followed by Milan and Moscow.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Tue Sep 22, 2009 at 10:10:11 AM EST
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PM: protest in Chiang Mai could tarnish tourism image
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A group of armed `Red Shirt' protesters attempting to force the release of a protest movement leader at a Chiang Mai police station early Friday led the authorities to `fire' on several hundred attackers with water cannon, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva said Friday, warning that such incidents can seriously damage Thailand's already badly-wounded tourist industry.
The protest outside the northern province's Phu Ping police station was not freedom of expression of political opinion as commonly understood and permitted under the democratic system, Mr. Abhisit said, because the demonstrators were armed, attacked and injured a number of police officers.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 11:40:28 PM EST
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Weak Recovery Expected for Asia's Tourism Industry in 2010
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The immediate outlook for Asia's tourism industry remains bleak as most major markets report sharp falls in visitor arrivals. There are hopes a recovery will come in 2010.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association expects visitor arrivals in Asia to fall by more than four percent this year, because the global economic slump and concerns about the swine flu discourage travelers.
Greg Duffell, president of PATA, says rising unemployment in many countries are causing the decline.
"The majority of countries are still showing negative growth and the majority are not showing any sign of a turnaround at this point in time they're looking for," Duffell said.
Many Asia tourism markets continue to see dramatic declines in traveler numbers. Singapore reports arrivals down more than 30 percent from a year ago. In South Korea, arrivals have declined as much as 40 percent some months this year.
In Japan, foreign visitor arrivals in May fell by more than 30 percent.
John Koldowski, PATA's director of strategic intelligence, says lower economic growth forecasts combined with a loss of business confidence and the spreading H1N1 flu virus have hurt both the business and leisure travel markets.
"We've actually got the economic situation out here - we've got this pincer movement with things like H1N1 coming in from the other side which is compounding that from a tourism perspective," Koldowski said. "It may not affect the GDP, but from a travel and tourism point of view all of these things make the traveller very, very nervous."
In Thailand, where foreign tourists contribute about six percent of gross domestic product, the number of arrivals is expected to drop to 12 million this year, instead of the 14 million originally expected.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Tue Jul 14, 2009 at 07:59:48 AM EST
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Renaissance Dubai Hotel ties up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Virgin Atlantic
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The promotion is in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Virgin Atlantic and Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in London.
'We are proud to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Virgin Atlantic for our Red Hot Summer Promotion as well as our sister hotel, Grosvenor House London, a JW Marriott hotel. This summer, a lucky Spice Island guest will have the opportunity to win 2 tickets to London on Virgin Atlantic and a stay in our wonderful Grosvenor House Hotel for three nights. Spice Island always aims to give a special dining experience to our guests. With our Chocolate promotion this July 1-14 and our Amazing Thai promotion this August 1-14, we are sure that this summer will be memorable at Spice Island.'
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 07:42:54 AM EST
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Tourism trouble in Thailand
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What have swine flu and the credit crunch got in common - they take no prisoners, they can affect anyone and any budget - yes, all of the above, but the gruesome twosome are also having a catastrophic effect on the all important tourism industry in places such as Mexico and Thailand, which has led to the Thais being forced to offer steep discounts on everything in order to attract visitors...
Thailand's tourism industry, on which it relies so heavily, is in big trouble. As if the global recession wasn't enough, the country has also had to contend with well publicized political upheaval and fears of the swine flu pandemic.
The tourism industry is a pillar of the economy and employs more than 2.5 million people in Thailand.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 07:38:06 AM EST
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Tiger Airways launches Fare Promotion
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Tiger Airways is offering an across-the-board 50% discount on 18 choice destinations as part of the carrier's effort to bring greater cheer to savvy shoppers at the Great Singapore Sale.
Ttravelers can enjoy discounted fares to the following cities: Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Phuket, Clark (Manila), Macau, Shenzhen, Haikou, Padang, Hanoi, Chennai, Bangalore, Singapore and Guangzhou.
The booking period is from 16 June to 24 June 2009 for travel from 15 July to 30 November 2009.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 10:05:46 PM EST
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Sukhothai Bangkok and Rayavadee Krabi launch Honeymoon Promotion
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The Sukhothai Bangkok and Rayavadee Krabi have partnered to offer travellers an enticing `Island Honeymoon-City Romance' promotion.
The ten-night package `Island Honeymoon-City Romance' offer can be tailored to begin or end with a magical three night stay in a suite at the elegant Sukhothai Bangkok.
The romance continues with a seven night stay in a deluxe pavilion at Rayavadee, one of Krabi's premier luxury beach resorts located on southern Thailand's stunning Andaman coast. Lapped by clear waters and dotted with islands and sheer limestone cliffs, Krabi boasts picture perfect scenery and rich marine life located just offshore. Rayavadee's spacious, two-story pavilions sit at the centre of these dramatic natural surroundings, offering luxury, privacy and comfort for an unrivalled honeymoon getaway experience.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 10:01:53 PM EST
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Visa and TAT launch "Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009"
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Visa and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched “The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009”, a major event on the Thailand shopping calendar running from June 1 to August 31 with aim to boost both domestic and international tourism. Visa has teamed up with a variety of merchants in 12 provinces and key travel districts nationwide, including major shopping malls, duty free shops, jewelry, spas, hotels and resorts, golf clubs, airlines, travel agencies and hospitals to offer an array of exclusive promotions, including discount and other benefits, for Visa cardholders. Visa has been an exclusive partner of the TAT’s Amazing Thailand Grand Sale campaign since 2000.
Photo shows: Weerasak Kowsurat (2nd right), Chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Taya Teepsuwan (center), Deputy Bangkok Governor; Somboon Krobteeranon (far right), Country Manager – Thailand, Visa; Natsamon Vongkittipat (far left), Group General Manager, Marketing, The Mall Group and Chai Srivikorn (2nd left), President of Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association.
Source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=62538&nav=46
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Fri Jun 12, 2009 at 02:01:52 AM EST
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Absolute launches Thai Vacation Ownership Program
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Absolute Group targets Thai market for expansion with the launch of `Thai vacation ownership'.
Absolute Vacation Club (part of Absolute Group´s diverse business operations) is a leading international vacation ownership operator in Europe and Asia. AVC has been in operation since 1998, and now has 21 offices worldwide including 3 new strategic offices this year; one in Iran, and two in Bangkok. The new offices in Bangkok add to Absolute Group´s strong Thailand presence with offices in Pattaya, Samui and Phuket also.
Mr. Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group commented, "Vacation ownership program will play a major role in the growth of Thailand tourism. With the growth in branded hotels and developments throughout Thailand in the past few years, vacation ownership provides a solution to boost occupancy and tourism revenues for the country."
Vacation ownership membership offers a premium package price ranging from THB 250,000 to THB800,000 for full membership depending on season and unit size selected. Members can use holiday entitlements at more than 2,000 affiliate resorts worldwide.
Mr. Andrew Parker, Managing Director Absolute Group (Thailand) said, "Thailand has the potential to become the number one market for vacation ownership in Asia. Interest from Thais is growing and the number of Thai buyers also continues to grow. And currently there are only a few major brand vacation ownership membership schemes available in Thailand. Absolute Vacation Club currently has 250 memberships since the start of operations two months ago. We aim for 2,000 family members by end of the year."
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Thu Jun 11, 2009 at 08:52:30 PM EST
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Tourism at risk as three airports closed,
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Airline union urges strike. Travellers disrupted at Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai; THAI staff may join protest
The labour union of Thai Airways International (THAI) is calling on its 15,000 members to join in protests against the government, while the tourism sector is concerned about security and its future business.
The groups are responding to a series of strikes in Bangkok and in the provinces.
People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) proฌtesters yesterday blocked the entrances of two major airports, Phuket and Hat Yai.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:47:39 AM EST
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Patience key to temple feud
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Truth be told, there is little expectation the high-level Thai-Cambodian talks will bring about a breakthrough to resolve the simmering border conflict around Preah Vihear, the 900-year-old Hindu temple recently listed as a World Heritage Site.
Still, both neighbouring countries must keep firmly in mind that continued discussion - even if it does not seem to produce stunning results at the moment while promising to drag on for a long time - is at present the best possible course of action and the only workable common ground which must be maintained at all costs.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 08:32:39 PM EST
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Thailand: The perfect compromise
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We usually spend Christmas with my mother, whose birthday falls on Christmas day. This year, however, when she announced she would not come to Hong Kong due to another trip she had planned, we had a moment's pause. What to do? Where to go?
While Erik and I do not consider ourselves "beach" people, we had succumbed to this child-friendly environment for our two big trips since arriving in Asia 15 months ago. This time around, we decided on a compromise: we would go to Thailand and spend 6 days in the mountainous north and then head south to soak up some sunshine.
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By Rajesh Kumar, Section Tourism
Posted on Fri Jan 04, 2008 at 08:29:51 PM EST
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