TAT targets more shoppers
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Visa International have joined up to launch the "Thailand Grand Sale 2006" campaign, which aims not only to promote the country as a shopping paradise, but also to boost the tourism industry during the current low season.
According to TAT's data, about 30 per cent of income from international visitors - more than Bt100 billion a year - comes from shopping. So the agency is working with department stores and shops in Bangkok and other tourist centres, including Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Pattaya and Nakhon Ratchasima, to enlist their participation in the project. Visa International Thailand is organising promotional programmes for its domestic and international credit card holders. TAT governor Juthamas Siriwan said the campaign aims to lure visitors to travel and purchase products and services during the low season. The TAT is also keen to portray Thailand as the shopping centre of Asia, to encourage both the circulation of foreign currency within the country and the generation of income for the provinces. Juthamas said participating department stores and shopping complexes would offer discounts of between 10 and 50 per cent to domestic tourists. On top of that, international tourists will be given the chance take part in a lucky draw to win airline and hotel packages. Furthermore, both domestic and international tourists making payments with a Visa card at participating shops will be invited to enter a draw to win one of 15 cars, including five Chevrolet Estates in Bangkok and two Chevrolet Optras in the provinces.
Suchat Sritama The Nation
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