• 
• 

Published on July 21, 2007

The Seven Amazing Wonders are Thainess, treasure (products), beaches, nature, health and wellness, trendiness and festivals.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn yesterday said the new planning focus took into account influential global, regional and local factors, ranging from changes in consumer behaviour and the effects of high oil prices to branding and low-cost airlines.

An exhaustive analysis of the Thai tourism industry has indicated that while a number of issues need to be addressed, the good news is Thailand generally has a very positive image in the world, giving it a significant competitive edge.

Phornsiri said travel magazines and lifestyle surveys consistently ranked the Kingdom in the top 10 for its beautiful beaches, entertainment and dining, product value, recreational facilities and shopping. Each year sees new awards in each of these categories.

She added that the new campaign would be underpinned by the strong "Amazing Thailand" slogan, which proved hugely successful in 1998-99. That slogan underscores the

Kingdom's image as a peaceful, hospitable country and year-round tourism destination with high-quality products and services.

The 18 main markets targeted for intensive promotions are mostly in East Asia, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Among 20 emerging markets with strong growth potential are Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eastern Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

This year, the TAT will open offices in the UAE, Russia and Vietnam. All three countries have shown growing potential as a source of tourist arrivals.

It will also become more active in China, which is projected to surpass Malaysia and Japan as Thailand's top source of tourist arrivals by the end of the decade.

One key component of the campaign will be the nine Royal Discovery Initiative projects, all of them conceived and created by His Majesty the King and other members of the Royal Family as part of Thailand's pursuit of a sufficiency economy.