January 28, 2016 TnH Global 0

Thailand Tourism Organizes 7th Andaman Travel Trade 2015

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) along with Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and Phuket Tourist Association organized 7th ANDAMAN TRAVEL TRADE 2015 at Phuket. The event was followed by a FAM trip to Thailand including tours to various hotels and places. TnH would like to share the experience of being in the incredible land of smiles: Thailand….

7th ANDAMAN TRAVEL TRADE 2015

The Phuket Province with Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Phuket Tourist Association organized “The 7th ANDAMAN TRAVEL TRADE 2015”, where 27 representative of leading tour companies invited by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). They met and conversed with tourism entrepreneurs from 5 provinces of Andaman side representing the difference of each province’s geography and leading to improve the distribution of tourism income. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the Minister of Tourism and Sport stated that the achievement of the event came from the cooperation between government sector and private sector.

While addressing the tour operators, travel agents and media from across the world, Chamroen Tipayapongtada, Phuket Provincial Governor said that the event is the cooperation of Phuket Province, Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Phuket Tourist Association and its theme is to strengthen Thai’s way of life with the slogan “Discover Andaman – Explore Happiness” for group of 5 provinces of Andaman sea are Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi, Ranong and Trang to apply for boosting the tourism of group to be the same direction. To define this strategy is to help connecting the efficient tourism easily including rising up the outstanding of tourism identity.

Bhuritt Maswongssa, Vice – president International Marketing of Phuket Tourist Association said “this event offer the tourism entrepreneur from 5 provinces of Andaman Sea participating with over 100 booths comprise of hotel, resort, tour company, rental car and airline in which tour agents from across the world that the TAT has cooperated for an opportunity to meet and converse with the tourism entrepreneur directly. The travel trade was divided into 2 days where, on December 10, 2015 agents from Asia met the tour operators and on December 11, 2015 they met agents from Europe. “The convention is not only the chance of promoting sea and beach but it also showcase the Second Brand with each province will show their identity to make the difference and new tourism marketing will be taking place like mineral water resource in Ranong, water activity in Phuket and adventure sightseeing in Phangnga”, Maswongssa added Later, the presentation of undergoing expansion of Phuket International Airport was also presented by Airport’s General Manager (GM), Monty. She shared that there will be a new international terminal in the airport and 96 check-in counters at the airport. The new domestic terminal will be completed by May 2016 and international terminal will be completed by year 2017.

During the convention Juthaporn Rerngronasa, the Deputy Governor for International Marketing said “this event has been held continuously for 14th years (in every 2 years). The prime motive of this trade event is to bring the representative of leading tour companies’ worldwide encounter with tourism entrepreneur from 5 provinces of the Andaman Sea and to promote their tourism productivity directly to the costumer.” Throughout the event, we found that the number of tourist has increased. In 2013, the number of tourists is 19.3 million and increase to 21.5 million in 2014, thus the goal of holding up this Andaman Travel Trade will increase the number of tourist up to 25 million in 2016, she added. Also, the tourism income of 5 provinces of Andaman Sea in 2013 is 320,000 million baht, in 2014 increase to 360,000 million baht and in 2015 expects to 400,000 million baht, the ratio of growth is 11%.

A new product presentation of Amazing Thailand for 2015-16 was also given by TAT representative according to which, there will be new museums, malls, activities (like, Escape Hunt, Siam Green Sky), events, dining, new experiences, accommodations in Bangkok are available for tourists. In Hua Hin, there are many tourist attractions, mall and hotel, in Pattaya City; there are water parks as attractions and beautiful accommodation for tourists. In Chiang Rai, Rai Boonrawd Farm is prime attraction, family run cafe, stunning resort and Chiang Mai offers good accommodation, attractions and Yellow Mango cafe. In Khao Yai, there is Jimthompson Farm is new attraction and stylish accommodation is available for tourists. At Koh Samui, various new accommodations are built for comfort of tourists and last but not the least, Phuket has come up with interesting attractions like “Up Sidedown House” and many new resorts and hotels.

Fascinating Phuket and Bangkok

This year, TAT Delhi took tour operators, travel agents and media persons for Andaman Travel Trade 2015 and FAM trip to Thailand. After taking part in the convention, TAT Delhi members went for site inspection of several hotels in famous places like Phuket and Bangkok. The guide took us to the Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa, where the hospitality was good. The staff welcomed the members with warm Thai words “Sawadee Krap”, meaning “Hello” or “Welcome” in English. The members were stayed for three nights there. The lunch (vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian) was well served and rooms were pretty clean and spacious.

Post lunch, we went for site inspection of a newly built and one-of-its kind property, Keemala Phuket. It is an all pool villa wonderland set in the woodlands of Kamala, offering 38 villas and cottages, and is proud to be part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Keemala harnesses their methods of way of life and infuses it into the overall guest experiences. It is a perfect accommodation option for tourists who wish to enjoy the nature in its purest way. For honeymooners and leisure vacationers who wish for solace, this property is just perfect!

Then, we head for the next luxurious hotel with amazing beach and sea view, Novotel Phuket! The guest rooms were pretty well spacious and organized and the lobby was sea facing. The beach view was just commendable. The next stoppage of site inspection was Novotel Phuket Vintage Park Resort, where a delicious dinner was waiting on the table. We got few minutes to have a talk with Sopa Sornin (Director of Sales & Marketing of the Resort), and we get to know few facts about the resort. The peak season of tourists is from December to February and July to August. This resort gets approx. 8-10% of its total business from India, mainly from MICE, Family and Honeymooners. The resort has the largest Pool in Patong (2000 sq m), a Large Pool Bar, impressive Lobby with South East Asia style design and most specifically, Indian Food available making it superior amongst others. The hotel has appointed Indian chef to ensure that food is not an issue for Indian guests, otherwise, they are attending important Trade Show i.e., SATTE in Delhi and OTM in Mumbai and TAT road show in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad etc.

The next day, we were taken for a yacht tour through Phang Nga Bay where we enjoyed Sea Kayaking at Hong Island to observe beautiful Elephant shaped rock, Buddha shaped rock and fish shaped rock in the limestone caves. Afterwards, they were taken to Naga (Naka Island) to enjoy some water activities at the beach. Post spending some time, they got back to yacht (named-Ocean Dreamz) and head back to Phuket. Later, the members were taken to Sukko Spa, which is a peaceful spa therapy centre. There are varieties of spa therapies available at the centre for different ailments. Then, the members visited Deevana Patong Resort for delicious dinner including many Indian recipes was served with great hospitality by the hosts.

After bidding bye to Phuket, we arrived at Bangkok and stayed at Grande Centre Point Bangkok, a five star property with 60 floors, huge lobby and variety of luxurious guest rooms. At this hotel, we had delicious lunch and rested for a while. Lastly, we enjoyed the most happening evening of all at the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn (after the inspection of its spacious rooms and other facilities like, restaurants, recreation options and Anantara Spa). The dinner was served at the rooftop ZOOM Sky Bar & Restaurant. The restaurant sets new trends for a great night out in the city with 360 degree cityscape views of Bangkok city. Another highlight of this Sky Bar and Restaurant is the private as well as large space for small parties along with live DJ. This restaurant and bar serves excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies along with assorted collection of liquor to keep your spirits high in the bustling capital of Thailand. So, don’t miss to spend an evening here when in Bangkok.

In short, the 7th Andaman Travel Trade and FAM trip (organized by TAT) was pretty much successful to impress the tour operators, travel agents and foreign media and to make sure that the “Amazing Thailand Makes You Smile!”