Experience Thailand with Mario campaign gets off to successful start in the Philippines

Experience Thailand with Mario campaign gets off to successful start in the Philippines

Mario Maurer (left) and Mr. Kajorndet Apichartrakul, Director of TAT Singapore Office (2nd from right) congratulated the lucky winner for winning a trip to Thailand

Bangkok, 22 August, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Experience Thailand with Mario Maurer expanded marketing campaign aimed at attracting more travellers from China and ASEAN has got off to a grand start in the Philippines with thousands of people turning up to meet the famous Thai film star and singer Mario Maurer in downtown Manila. In a fun show, the Thai pop star told audiences of the adventures and opportunities that await all tourists to the kingdom.

TAT has appointed Mario Maurer as one of its tourism ambassadors thanks to his huge popularity across Asia after success in the films Love of Siam and First Love. As a result he has a large number of fans who follow him on social media in China, Indonesia and Vietnam as well as the Philippines where he has over a million followers.

The “Experience Thailand with Mario Maurer” tour stopped at SM Megamall in Manila on 6 August, 2016 and the 27-year old star met with thousands of fans.

During the event, six short films starring Mario were shown to showcase some of the exciting travel experiences Thailand can offer. The destinations being promoted were Trang, Amphawa (Samut Songkram), Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Pattaya (Chon Buri).

Mr. Kajorndet Apichartrakul, Director of TAT Singapore Office (standing) and Mario Maurer posting as a tuk-tuk driver

Mr. Kajorndet Apichartrakul, Director of TAT Singapore Office said, “We are very pleased that Mario got such a warm reception from his Filipino fans who turned up in their thousands to get a glimpse of their super star. Mario appeals to a young and dynamic market who would enjoy exploring the attractions of Thailand. With Mario’s help, we can reach out to people across ASEAN and Asia and let short haul tourists know that Thailand has so much to discover in terms of food, adventure, amazing scenery and friendly people.”

During the event in Manila, Mario answered questions from members of the media and the public about the attractions to be found in Thailand and he even gave the crowds a fun demonstration of Muay Thai boxing.

The Philippines are a fast growing market for tourism in Thailand and as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) comes into play, more and more Filipino tourists are expected to visit the kingdom and to take advantage of the free movement regulations. Thailand welcomed 310,975 visitors from the Philippines in 2015. And in the first seven months of this year, already a total of 192,847 people from the Philippines have visited Thailand.

Thousands of Mario’s fans turned up

Mario appeals to young and dynamic market