Thailand presents Unique Thai Local Experiences with the Sufficiency Economy at ITB Asia 2016

Thailand presents Unique Thai Local Experiences with the Sufficiency Economy at ITB Asia 2016

Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak (Middle), TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific); Mrs. Kulpramote Wannalert, (right), TAT Director for ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Market Division; Mr. Kajorndet Apichartrakul (left), TAT Singapore Office Director Singapore, 19 October, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today unveiled the “Unique Thai local experiences,” with the integration of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy to strengthen the country’s tourism industry at the ITB Asia, which is being held from 19 to 21 October, 2016 in Singapore.

His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s philosophy is a guidance to integrate with our tourism direction: the emphasis on ‘Unique Thai Local Experiences.’ In order to support the ‘Strength from Within’ concept to promote the development of our tourism industry, the philosophy has been adopted to strengthen the local business communities, small and medium sized enterprises at the grassroots of society, as well as enhance a stakeholder empowerment between the private and public sectors.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “We are welcome travellers to visit several Royal Projects in many parts of the country; such as, Chang Hua-Mun Royal Initiative Project to experience how the philosophy yields a productive results to the locals. Moreover, tourists are encouraged to explore the unique local experiences in many communities that implements the Sufficiency Economy to reflect the simplicity of Thai way life to foreigners.”

Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific)

Meanwhile, the presentation on “Explore Unique Thai Local Experiences” has been delivered by Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific), at the Destination Showcase function: Thailand, on 19 October, 2016. More than 80 representatives of international tour operators and media attended the presentation.

Recommended destinations and activities featured in the presentation on Unique Thai Local Experiences included a bike tour to explore the capital’s localness in Chinatown, a day or overnight stay tour to experience the community-based tourism at Baan Rai Kong Khing in Chiang Mai and joining an indigo-dyed cloth workshop at Kram Sakon in Sakhon Nakhon.

Mrs. Srisuda said, “We strongly believe that a local experience will connect and benefit everyone. The community will recognise its role to preserve their identity, continuously develop their quality products to tourists, and create job opportunities to its locals. The tour operators collaborate with the communities

to offer the potential quality products to its customers while the tourists are fulfilled with new experiences they gained. Finally, it will eventually lead to sustainability in the tourism sector.�

Business as usual at ITB Asia 2016 TAT has been participating in the ITB Asia since its inception in 2008. This year, the Thai contingent includes 36 exhibitors including high-quality hotels, health and wellness facilities, as well as world-class food and beverage outlets, which are embedded with giving a touch of Thainess and local experiences to their guests.

During January – August 2016, Thailand had already generated the total income of 31.2 billion USD from 22.4 million visitors, up by 15.5 per cent. East Asian and ASEAN visitor arrivals totalled 15.27 million or 68.15 per cent, the biggest market share of all visitors.

At the end of 2016, TAT expects to reach 49 billion US dollars, an increase of 18 per cent based on a projection of 33 million international tourists.