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Pullman to Open First Hotel in Singapore

Pullman Paris

AccorHotels and EL Development Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based property developer, have announced they will open a new-build five-star Pullman on a prime site on Hill St, in the civic and cultural heart of the city. The 342-room hotel will be Singapore’s first Pullman and will feature a rooftop bar and executive lounge with sweeping views over Fort Canning, the Singapore River and St Andrew’s Cathedral, along with a vibrant lobby, health and fitness centre and pool. The hotel is set to open in 2022 after a complete redevelopment of the site.

Pullman London

Mr Lim Yew Soon, Managing Director of EL Development Pte Ltd said, “We are pleased to appoint AccorHotels to manage our first hotel and we will bring the same high quality that symbolises our residential and mixed-use buildings to what will be our first hotel development.
“We are confident that the Pullman brand is the perfect fit for the market in Singapore as the brand has really built a strong reputation, especially in Asia.”

Pullman is one of the true success stories of the hotel industry and we are delighted to be able to announce our first Pullman for Singapore

The Pullman brand is one of the fastest-growing upper upscale brands in the world and since launching in Bangkok in 2007, it has become the hotel of choice for a new generation of hyper-connected travellers seeking contemporary design, culture and connectivity in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
“Pullman is one of the true success stories of the hotel industry and we are delighted to be able to announce our first Pullman for Singapore,” said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “As the largest hotel operator in Singapore, we believe the new Pullman will fill a gap in the market for a smart, modern hotel that meets the demands of the discerning digital traveller.”
There are currently over 120 Pullman hotels in 33 countries worldwide and Asia Pacific accounts for more than 70 hotels and resorts and more than 21,000 rooms.
Pullman Singapore will join a range of flagship addresses worldwide including Pullman London St Pancras, Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Pullman Phuket Arcadia, Pullman Park Lane Hong Kong.

Maritim Hotel Dresden Can Host 6000 People to Meetings & Conventions

Jörg Bacher

Jörg Bacher, General Manager at the Maritim Hotel & International Congress Centre Dresden invites the world to meet at state of the art convention centre. In a candid interview he elaborates the unique facilities created for hosting seamless conventions.
Interview edited by Neeraj Narain

Maritim Hotel & International Congress Centre Dresden

What is unique about the Maritim Hotel & International Congress Centre Dresden?
The Hotel is convenient in an old monument protected warehouse. It is located onto the banks of the river “Elbe” between the Congress Centre (both buildings are connected by a tunnel to each other) and the Saxony parliament. The Congress Centre is welcoming up to 6.000 people to meetings & conventions. The hotel offers 328 rooms with a size from 29 m² and larger.

What should we see during our stay in Dresden?
The cultural highlights of Dresden were the “Dresden Semperoper”, the “Zwinger Palace”, “Frauenkirche” (Church of our Lady) or steamboat ride to Pillnitz. Furthermore, you reach the Saxon Switzerland to go hiking for example in less than an hour (by car) or just visiting the Moritzburg Lakes with its castle and game enclosure.

In between conference events, what are the best restaurants to sample authentic local cuisine?
Because of the preferences of the Saxonian King August the strong, the local cuisine serves sweet dishes as small pancakes (“Quarkkäulchen”) or the traditional “Dresden Eierschecke cake”. Another local dish is pork roast with crackling. All of that can be served in the Congress Centre – our chef de cuisine is specializing in cooking the local offers.  Alternatively some restaurants nearby (within 10 minutes walking distance) there is a restaurant, which is located in a vault (“Sophienkeller”).

Maritim Hotel, Dresden – Superior Room

Please give some practical advice to help your guests in getting them around the city.
Within 10 to 15 minutes walking distance, you reach all cultural highlights in Dresden (“Frauenkirche”, “Zwinger Palace” and many more) so the best is just to take a stroll along the banks of the river. Alternatively, you can rent a bike of the hotel or use the tram or buses around.

What would you say is the city’s best-kept secret, local hangout or little known attraction?
Young travelers should have seen the new town by night – here you have many bars to pull an all-nighter.
A must-see for kids is the “Kunsthofpassage” one of the most refreshingly artistic spaces in the new town of Dresden. Music created by water running down interlinked rain pipes affixed to a turquoise fascade.
Other classics with should have been seen were the “Frauenkirche” (Church of our Lady), Moritzburg Castle or Pillnitz Castle (take the paddle steamer for a relaxed journey).

Which seasonal activities are a must-do?
Throughout the year, Dresden offers many different activities to visit. The year in Dresden starts with a gala event par excellence. Many guest, including H.R.H. Queen Silvia of Sweden, the Irish singer and songwriter Bob Geldof, the actor Ornella Muti as well as many more important person of culture, politics, sports, charity or other attended the “SemperOpernball” during the last 11 years.
Musicians should schedule their trip to Dresden for May or autumn. In May, the absolutely highlight is the “International Dixxieland festival”. The “Jazz days” are in autumn each year.
16 stages, 85 concerts with 350 artists – this, you just find in Dresden during the summer month at the “Dresden Schlössernacht”.
Another activity in summer is the “Filmnächte am Elbufer” – whilst sitting at the banks of the Elbe, you enjoy different acts per day. In 2017 e.g. Sting, the Pet Shop Boys or movies.
After last Sunday before Advent until Christmas Eve, the “Dresdner Striezelmark” opens its doors – a wonderful Christmas Market.

The Maritim Hotelgesellschaft is Germany’s largest owner-managed hotel group. It has 33 properties across Germany as well as hotels in Mauritius, Egypt, Turkey, Malta, Spain and China.

British Airways Latest In-Flight Entertainment Brings Music To The Ears Travellers

London Symphony Orchestra Ranald Mackechnie

BA’s latest announcement will be music to the ears of British Airways customers, as the airline has added tracks from the London Symphony Orchestra to its in-flight entertainment system.

A selection of music from 10 London Symphony Orchestra albums are now available on board, spanning the classical, opera and choral genres.

The Orchestra performs tracks from world-renowned composers including Mozart, Verdi, Haydn, and Debussy among others. Customers will also recognise a number of tracks from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, the 1984 film Amadeus and Holst’s The Planets, one of the most popular and widely recognised musical works of the 20th century.

LSO Percussion Ensemble

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be adding music from the London Symphony Orchestra to our entertainment system, which gives customers even more choice on what they want to listen to or watch on board. They’re an example of brilliant British talent with a fascinating history, which we know our customers will enjoy regardless of whether they’ve listened to much orchestral music previously.”

Becky Lees, Head of LSO Live, the London Symphony Orchestra’s award-winning record label, said: “The London Symphony Orchestra has a mission to bring its music to as many people as possible.  We’re delighted to share this selection of our live recordings via British Airways’ in-flight entertainment system.  International touring is an important part of the Orchestra’s life so this is an excellent way to give British Airways customers the chance to explore our music making as they also travel the globe.”

New World Traveller Plus Seats

These changes to British Airways’ in-flight entertainment system are just one of a number of ways that the airline is looking to better-serve its customers. Earlier this year a renewed food offering was rolled out in World Traveller including, on longer flights, a full second meal. In Club World, new dining and White Company bedding is being rolled out across the network. These changes come as part of the airline’s £4.5 billion investment for customers over the next five years which also includes new cabins in its Boeing 777 aircraft operating out of Gatwick.  The new aircraft cabins feature an in-flight Panasonic entertainment system which has been updated with larger HD screens. The screen size has doubled from six to 12 inches in World Traveller Plus and increased from six to 10 inches in World Traveller.

Customers who fly with British Airways on long-haul flights have free access to over 1,000 hours of films, TV shows and audio programmes via their personal seatback screen. The content is updated regularly, with categories often added for major holidays or key calendar events.

TAAI Convention Srinagar – A Reverberating Success

Chief Minister of J&K addressing the TAAI Convention

Hon’ble Chief Minister acknowledges TAAI for the handholding
TAAI at Kashmir after 30 Years
Delegates amazed with TAAI’s arrangements

The 3 day most historic TAAI Convention, an eagerly awaited event of the Travel & Tourism industry of India, resulted in resounding success. The 64th Convention and Exhibition of TAAI was organized at the most prestigious and mesmerizing city, Srinagar, “the crown jewel” of Kashmir valley situated on the banks of Jhelum River flanked by the snow-clad mountains from 27th to 30th March, 2018. The convention was ably supported by Ministry of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir. The event received excellent cooperation and support from the Convention Hotels; Hotel Associations; House Boat Owners Association and other travel and tourism associations of J&K. TAAI J&K Chapter played the role of coordinating committee for the convention and delivered a great event.

The Convention was inaugurated by Her Excellency, Madam Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir. She acknowledged TAAI for the hand-holding extended as she delivered a touching address to the delegates and compared Kashmir with “Jannat”. Minister for Tourism, J&K, Mr Tassaduq Hussain Mufti who addressed the convention, was present along with six other ministers of J&K. State Minister for Tourism, Ms Preeti Seth also addressed the audience.

Organizing Team at the Convention

In the words of TAAI President, Sunil Kumar, it offered to Jammu & Kashmir – Visibility; Connect and Opportunity.  The manner in which the event was covered by the Media and the industry partners through digital and social media connect, brought in extensive visibility that Kashmir is a safe place for tourists and such large MICE events can be held here. It offered J&K with a huge connect – with the industry; with the Media and with the world in general. It is now an opportunity before J&K to optimize the TAAI presence in Kashmir where the TAAI convention was held most successfully with over 650 delegates participation from across India and some countries of the world.

Over 45 media leaders travelled with TAAI to Srinagar to cover the event and they were inspired by the hi-quality convention that TAAI presented. The Convention brought to the forefront the most outstanding beauty of Kashmir; its serenity; awesome scenic wonder and the warmth expressed by the local citizens who were absolutely courteous to offer the delegates a life-time experience.

Arabian Travel Market 2018 Opens in Dubai

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM

Over 2,500 exhibitors and 40,000 industry professionals from 150 countries to celebrated 25th edition of the largest travel and tourism event in the Middle East

Travel trade professionals from across the world’s hospitality industry will descended upon Dubai for the opening of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, the region’s leading travel industry showcase.

Arabian Travel Market, Dubai

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “We have visitors registered from all corners of the globe covering all segments of the hospitality industry for what promises to be the biggest show yet in the event’s 25-year history.

“The growth and scale of ATM 2018 is testament to the buoyant travel and tourism industry here in the MENA region. With Expo 2020 now just two years away, this growth will undoubtedly continue as Dubai aims to complete 160,000 hotel rooms in time to welcome an additional five million visitors over the course of the event.”

Celebrating its 25th year, ATM 2018, which took place at Dubai World Trade Centre, will showcase the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of ATM, with hotels comprising 20% of the total show area.

40,000 Industry Professionals in ATM Dubai

Building on the success of last year’s exhibition, where more than 39,000 industry professionals agreed deals worth US$2.5bn, ATM 2018 welcomed over 2,500 confirmed exhibitors including 65 national pavilions.

More than 100 new exhibitors debuted ATM debut this year, including Visit Finland, Guizhou Province of China, Hungarian Tourism Agency Ltd, Polish Tourist Organisation, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubai Municipality Leisure Facilities Department, Yas Experiences, Indigo Airlines, Kurdistan Tourism, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jakarta City Government Tourism and Culture Office and Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration to name a few.

 

 

Virgin Atlantic Unveil Economy Delight, Economy Classic and Economy Light

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic

From Spring 2018, customers will be able to choose to fly ‘Economy Delight, ‘Economy Classic’ or ‘Economy Light’

Economy Delight will offer the UK’s leading economy product – featuring a 34 inch legroom seat, free advanced seat assignment, and priority boarding/check in

Part of a wider investment to deliver innovations on the ground and in the air Virgin Atlantic has recently announced the launch of three new ways to fly economy as part of a multi-million pound investment in the cabin for the 21st century traveller.

Virgin Atlantic Economy Class

Recognising that one size doesn’t fit all, from spring 2018 Virgin Atlantic will introduce ‘Economy Delight, ‘Economy Classic’ and ‘Economy Light’ tickets. The three new ways to fly will allow customers to choose the product that suits their budget and travel style – but never compromise on inclusive food and drink, unrivaled service, and in-flight entertainment.

Economy Delight will offer the leading economy product of any UK airline  – customers will enjoy a seat with 34 inch legroom, priority check in and boarding as well as advanced seat assignment. Economy Classic will now offer free seat assignment – providing extra reassurance for families and groups that they can sit together. The new Economy Light ticket will always offer Virgin Atlantic’s lowest fare – making long haul travel affordable and accessible for millennials, and customers jetting off on city breaks.

What the new fares offer:

Economy Light: Pack light and pay less. Choose your seat for free at check in, then sail through security with hand luggage only.  Meals, drinks and snacks included,  Hand baggage only,  No refunds or changes.

Economy Classic: Little extras that make a big difference.  Take a bag and choose your seats in advance. Meals, drinks and snacks included,  1 x 23kg checked bag,  Free seat selection at any time,  Upgradeable with miles.

Economy Delight: A bit more legroom, a lot more style.  Take the comfort level up a notch and get settled in sooner. Meals, drinks and snacks included,  1 x 23kg checked bag,  Free seat selection at any time,  Upgradeable with miles,  Extra legroom seat,  Premium check in,  Priority boarding.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, said: “When I started Virgin Atlantic I wanted to challenge the status quo and make flying amazing – regardless of which cabin you’re in – and that’s still true today.  We’re unveiling a multimillion pound investment to make Virgin Atlantic’s Economy cabin the best of any UK airline and setting the bar for others to follow.”

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Put Family First

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, Malaysia

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel operator, revealed comprehensive details about its new family-focused features across multiple destinations.   

Treetop Theme Beds at Shangri-La Singapore

Leading the way is the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, which launched its child-friendly services with Buds by Shangri-La, a 2,150-square-meter indoor and outdoor play space devoted to children between the ages of one and 12 years. The interactive play space is designed to encourage fun and family time as well as learning through play.


Themed activity spaces have been created for budding artists, performers and chefs, plus there is a party room for celebrations. For peace of mind, each child wears a radio-frequency enabled wristband so parents can
monitor the child’s location


As part Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s recent Tower Wing renovation, the hotel created 19 new deluxe family rooms and five themed family suites each accommodating two adults and two children under 12 years. The suites and rooms measure 76 and 38 square meters, respectively, and are located on a dedicated family floor. Suites offer dream-themed beds, including a castle and space craft.

In addition, the hotel offers a wide range of childcare amenities including car seats, strollers, travel cots and even bath time toys so families can travel lighter.

At Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa – just 15 minutes from central Singapore on Sentosa Island a comprehensive recreational programme with an array of activities, awaits junior guests at the kids’ club.

Catering for children between five and 12, the kids’ club features a three-story treehouse with a slide from top to bottom. On the first level, there are books, a stage for fun musical performances, and an arts and craft room. Kids also have their own ‘zone’ in the Seashell restaurant, which features a child-friendly buffet counter scaled down for kids. For infants there’s a dedicated babies zone providing complimentary baby food, milk bottle sterilisers, baby utensils, baby wipes and all the essentials.

In Malaysian Borneo, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa will launch new immersive guest experiences this July in its nature reserve. The innovative recreational offerings will enhance the reserve’s conservation education programme, as well as introduce a range of cultural and adventure experiences perfect for children and young adults.

The protected 64-acre nature reserve is nestled within Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s 400 acres of tropical jungle and is home to the long-tailed macaques, western tarsiers, bear cats and the

famous huge-eyed slow loris, plus over 60 species of birds, 100 species of butterflies, pangolins and a wide spectrum of native plants.

AccorHotels Showcase 2018- Exciting times for the MICE Market

Arif Patel - Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Distribution & Loyalty, AccorHotels India with Kerry Healy - Vice President of Sales - Asia Pacific, AccorHotels - at AccorHotels Showcase in Delhi

Outbound and inbound travel from and to India has been on the rise. As per research reports, in 2017, Indian travellers took three leisure trips and two in five Indians took international trips. This was clearly reflected at the AccorHotels Showcase 2018, which witnessed participation from 35 hotels & resorts from the global network along with 22 hotels from India. The Showcase was the ideal platform to discuss how to work together to benefit from the burgeoning travel market. The delegates were representing India’s top-most travel agents, wholesalers, corporate clients, tourism partners and MICE organisers in attendance, this was the largest-ever AccorHotels Showcase event in Asia Pacific.

AccorHotels Showcase 2018

The event saw representation from the marquee hotels namely Raffles Dubai and Saudi Arabia, RIXOS Turkey, Fairmont Ajman, SO Sofitel Bangkok Singapore, Novotel Amsterdam City and Novotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, Fairmont Dubai and more.

AccorHotels Showcase 2018

One of the key takeaways from the Showcase was that MICE is on the rise globally – with multiple events being held internationally, but also in India which is becoming a chosen destination for MICE. Furthermore, with increasing globalization and Indian corporates opening offices around the world, the hospitality industry has seen traction for corporate travel both inbound and outbound.

Speaking on the success of Showcase 2018, Arif Patel, Vice President Sales, Marketing, Distribution & Loyalty AccorHotels said, “By 2020, Indian outbound travel is estimated to reach 48 million and foreign tourist arrival is forecasted to cross the 10 million mark. Today, Indians are expanding their travel maps and are travelling beyond countries like Thailand, Singapore or Dubai to Turkey, Amsterdam, Ajman, Paris, New Zealand and Spain. This annual AccorHotels Showcase gives an opportunity for our attendees to engage with AccorHotels representatives from around the world to see how best we can work together given the opportunities in the market. Moreover, it is overwhelming to see how the AccorHotels’ brands have been accepted positively, especially our luxury brands – Raffles, Fairmont and RIXOS overall and the Fairmont and RIXOS for weddings.”

Cox & Kings Launches New Packages of Guaranteed Coach Tours

View from Gondola, Schilthorn

Celebrating the 260th year, Cox & Kings Ltd., the oldest and leading tour operator with operations in 22 countries across continents has introduced new pre-planned coach tours to Morocco, Cambodia, Russia, Spain, Israel, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, Iceland and South America. The tours starting from Rs.38,990, give you a chance to travel with and meet people from across the globe. The tour price includes accommodation with breakfast, meals (if any), tours, transfers and guided sightseeing as specified in the tour.

Motor Vessel, Lake Lucerne Region

These comfortable tours guarantee departures, include must-see sights, excellent hotels and meals as specified. Each coach tour also has English-speaking tour directors to ensure an authentic experience. Moreover, Cox & Kings is topping it up with amazing deals to celebrate 260 years. Travellers booking under this offer stand a chance to win 2 nights FREE hotel stay in Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bali. Easy EMI options are also available on online payments through all major banks and the Bajaj Finserv EMI card.
Please find below the new packages of Guaranteed Coach Tours:

Royal Morocco
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca
Starting from Rs. 40,768* per person (without airfare)

Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Hanoi, On Board the Cruise, Saigon, Siem Reap
Starting from Rs. 49,155* per person (without airfare)

Russian Bonanza
6 Days / 5 Nights
Visit – Moscow, St. Petersburg
Starting from Rs. 66,560* per person (without airfare)

Spanish Experience
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Madrid, Seville, Costa Del Sol, Granada, Madrid
Starting from Rs. 83,616* per person (without airfare)

Bibleland Tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Galilee, Tel Aviv
Starting from Rs. 85,360* per person (without airfare)

Swiss Fairy Tales
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Zurich, Bern, Montreux, Geneva
Starting from Rs. 1,02,060* per person (without airfare)

USA – Eastern Discovery
7 Days / 6 Nights
Visit – New York, Washington Dc, Harrisburg, Niagara Falls
Starting from Rs.  1,13,565* per person (without airfare)

Discover Canadian Rockies
7 Days / 6 Nights
Visit – Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff, Calgary
Starting from Rs. 1,38,990* per person (without airfare)

Discover Alaskas National Park
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Anchorage, Seward, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage Starting from Rs. 1,69,500* per person (without airfare)

Legends of Scandinavia
11 Days / 10 Nights
Visit – Stockholm, Hamar, Geiranger, Balestrand, Bergen, Geilo, Oslo, On Board The Cruise, Copenhagen
Starting from Rs. 1,95,936* per person (without airfare)

Classical Iceland
9 Days / 8 Nights
Visit – Reykjavik, Vik I Myrdal, Hofn, Egilsstadir, Myvatn, Siglufjordur, Borgarnes, Reykjavik
Starting from Rs. 1,80,544* per person (without airfare)

Best of South America
15 Days / 14 Nights
Visit – Lima, Yucay, Cusco, Puno, Lima, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Rio De Janeiro
Starting from Rs. 3,08,490* per person (without airfare)

To book your dream package, call us on 1800 209 0400 or alternatively SMS ‘GCT’ to 5757567. For more information, log on to www.coxandkings.com

Amazing Thailand’s Open to the New Shades launched in India

Open to the New Shades of Amazing Thailand

Open to the New Shades of Amazing Thailand

TAT Team at the Launch of Open to the New Shades concept in India

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched its new marketing concept “Open to the New Shades of Amazing Thailand” in India.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn TAT Governor Launching the New Campaign

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn , the TAT Governor, headed the Thai tourism team at the launch event held at JW Marriott Aerocity in New Delhi. It was attended by several senior executives from Indian travel companies, travel media and invited guests from the business community.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communication making the Product Presentation

In his product presentation, Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communication said, “The Open to the New Shades concept is about asking visitors to “open” their minds and hearts to deepen and widen their experiences into a new perception of attractions and variety of experiences in Thailand.  

“The Open to the New Shades concept is about asking visitors to “open” their minds and hearts to deepen and widen their experiences into a new perception of attractions and variety of experiences in Thailand

“The communication campaign will introduce brand-new products to visitors, or reveal a new charming character of well-known destinations through creativity. This campaign is aimed at attracting more repeat visitors and also first-time visitors. Visitors can discover new perspectives in existing attractions, or indulge in experiences in new tourist attractions.  

Mr. Tanes outlined the broad variety of tourism products that Indian visitors will enjoy in the categories of Gastronomy, Nature and Beach, Art and Craft, and Thai Culture and Way of Life. 

Live music performance by, Mr. Koh Saxman

Indian guests also enjoyed a live music performance by special guests, Mr. Koh Saxman (above picture), a famous Thai saxophonist featuring with the Indian musicians including Mr. Dhruv Bed (sitarist) and Mr.Manassas Jena, (tablaist). Well-known Indian journalist Mr. Vir Sanghvi, a regular visitor to Thailand and a lover of Thai food, also spoke about his fondness for the kingdom and narrated some of his experiences over the years.  

Guests also witnessed a demonstration of Thai culture such as the coloring a Khon Mask, painting Thai pattern on the hand, fruit & vegetable carving and stage performances (Muay Thai and Thai Classical Dance). 

TAT offices in Mumbai and New Delhi are working with partners and tour operators to convert the new marketing concept into substantial sales targeted at specific customer segments; such as, Luxury Travel, Weddings and Honeymooners, and Female Travellers, and Families.  Also targeted are university students and newly working women.  

TAT is also targetting a new wave of visitors from secondary cities in India. Given the large number of Indian cities with a population base of more than three million people, India is seen as being a major source of visitors for Thailand in the years ahead. 

Mr. Yuthasak said, “India is now one of our top ten sources of visitor arrivals, a member of a small club of countries that generate more than one million visitors a year. In 2017, Thailand recorded 1.41 million visitor arrivals from India, up by 18% over 2016, generating an estimated 120 billion Rupees (62.40 billion baht) in tourism income. We are targeting a revenue growth of 12% for Indian market in 2018. 

He said more and more Indian travellers are diversifying beyond their traditional spots of Bangkok and Pattaya, and exploring Chiang Rai, Rayong, Trat, Hua Hin and Samut Songkram. 

In 2018, bilateral business and MICE travel is expected to increase as India’s economy grows and new airlines launch more bilateral flights. The completion of the Asian Highway road linkage through Myanmar will allow a whole new generation of travellers to open up new corridors of travel between South and Southeast Asia, Mr. Yuthasak said.  

At the end of event, Mr. Yuthasak presented 10 awards to supporting partners, consisting of travel agents, airlines, media, and wedding planners. 

Between 30 March – 2 April 2018, TAT will organise a mega-famtrip for a carefully chosen list of 100 Indian tour operators and 50 media. 

Indians can receive visa-on-arrival facilities at Thailand’s international checkpoints. Bilateral airline capacity is at an all-time high with 240 weekly flights between Thailand and 17 major cities in India by 11 airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air India, Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spice Jet, Thai Air Asia, Bhutan Airlines, Druk Air, Garuda Indonesia and Thai Smile.

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