The first phase of the website saw Bt80 million in transactions from last October to April this year involving the six Andaman Sea provinces. Phase two features deals from hotels and tour operators nationwide.

The e-marketing campaign will promote mass-market travel deals, as well as target niche-interest consumers. These include metrosexuals, single women, expatriates, anyone interested in taking advantage of cheaper cosmetic surgery or medical care and those looking to buy a second property in Thailand, as well as tourists simply looking to relax at spas or indulge in golf, diving or "ecoadventures".

Juthamas said 27 countries topping the global ranks of online travel booking would be exclusively targeted by the e-campaign.

She said the TAT considered the online tourist market a strategic segment for growth and would outsource the campaign, in order to meet the needs of that market.

"I invite the travel industry to submit hot deals to thailandhotdeal.com. By 'hot' deals, I don't mean ones that will burn a hole in visitors' pockets, but rather deals that will burn an impression in their hearts, so they'll go home and spread the word," said Juthamas.

More than 100 hotels have already created special packages for the website. - nation