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Published on March 22, 2008

Sunil Gupta, chief operating officer for India and South Asia, suggested Thailand focus on quality tourists from India and its neighbouring countries, rather than the mass market.

Thailand is among the top 10 destinations for Indians. However, arrivals are still less than expected, so the country should step up marketing campaigns and activities to attract more visitors, he said.

Kuoni and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a seminar in Bangkok, specifically to promote Thailand to India.

Gupta also called on travel and hotel operators here to improve products and services, especially concerning Indian food, as well as offer an exclusive bus service between the airport and city centre.

"Operators in Thailand should consider the nature of Indian tourists, in order to ensure the right services," he said.

The company also called on airlines to increase services to India. Five airlines - Thai Airways International, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air India and India Express - are operating a total of 77 flights a day.

"Despite airlines doubling their flights from now, it still lags demand," Gupta said.

One  important measure to attract high-end tourists is providing more designer goods.

Over the years, Indians have spent more money in Singapore and Malaysia than in Thailand. All Indians prefer to stay at three- to five-star hotels wherever they go.

Two million millionaires in India are waiting to see Thailand, he added.

Chattan Kunjara na Ayutthaya, director of the TAT's New Delhi office, said the agency was considering setting up a branch in Bombay by next year.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation