In shift, TAT zeroes in on segments

In shift, TAT zeroes in on segments

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will join hands with private operators to restore tourist confidence after the mass rallies by using different campaigns for different markets.

The upcoming promotional campaign will focus on market segments, unlike previous campaigns that had a broader coverage.

The TAT and tourism operators have informed international tourists about the main protest areas, which are located only in Bangkok, while other popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya remain safe for travel.

Sugree Sithivanich, the deputy governor for marketing communications, said the TAT's communications effort will help to keep up the country's tourism when one destination faces problems such as political unrest or natural disasters.

When the protests end, each TAT office in domestic and international markets should be able to create its own marketing and promotional campaign to serve demand from its target directly.

For example, major destinations for Chinese tourists will be Chiang Mai and other shopping destinations, while beach destinations will be for European tourists.

To improve the image of Thai tourism, the TAT and business partners such as Thai Airways (THAI) and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) will hold joint marketing campaigns as soon as the turmoil ends.

Mr Sugree said efforts to restore tourists' confidence will begin with the short-haul market since it faces the heaviest effect, then it will turn to the European market.

The TAT will introduce a Quick Win Promotion next month to focus on unaffected destinations with attractive prices.

Mega familiarisation trips will be organised and international media and travel agents invited to visit Thailand.

The TAT, THAI and the ATTA will help to support mega familiarisation trips together.

After the political crisis is resolved, TAT expects the short-haul market will bounce back within 1-3 months and the long-haul market in 3-6 months, Mr Sugree said.

The TAT and 117 tourism operators will attend ITB Berlin 2014 from March 5-9.

This event will be important for them to communicate with European travel agents.

The event's key theme is "Sawasdee Thailand". Sombat "Buakaw" Banchamek, the welterweight Thai-boxing champion, will help to promote tourism at the German fair as well.

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