The agency has already opened offices in major Asian markets, including Japan, China and India.

The number of annual Thai visitors to Austria is equal to that of Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

With total international arrivals of 30 million last year, the United States, Japan and Australia were the top three markets for the Austrian tourism sector.

Austria would be the second European country to have a tourism office in Bangkok, following the United Kingdom.

According to the Austrian National Tourist Office, Asian and other long-haul markets are growing by 12-15 per cent a year, higher than total average growth of 2 per cent.

The office and Austrian Airlines are promoting new tourist attractions and services in 2007-2008 for the Thai market. It has appointed Nicholas Boekdrukker as its new marketing manager for Asia.

Michael Duscher, director for overseas markets, said Austria is building the Nord Park Cable Car Project in Innsbruck. The project - costing 55 million euros (Bt2.3 billion) - is scheduled for completion this year.

Meanwhile, Austria will host the European Football Championship and the 5th Hiking World Championship in 2008. It is also developing two golf courses that will be completed in 2008. The number of Thai visitors to Austria is expected to increase by 10 per cent this year.

Austrian Airlines operates seven Bangkok-Vienna flights a week with a load factor of 85 per cent.

The airline foresees that advanced bookings from Thailand will grow, particularly in March and April, despite the fact that Thai tourists are facing political uncertainty and an economic slowdown.

However, the airline plans to withdraw a temporary Phuket-Vienna route on April 28 due to the low season for the Austrian market. It will reopen the route next high season.

The carrier will provide new "Austrian Smiley" business-class services on March 15, including assistance at check-in counters, porter service and escort through fast-track immigration.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation