Thailand aims for more Mid-East tourists

It is the TAT's 21st overseas office and the first in the Middle East.

Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said last week that the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the Middle East were becoming more important markets for tourism because Thailand and these nations now enjoy closer relations.

He said the cooperation in trade between the Kingdom and the Middle East had gradually increased during the past 10 years, and now the tourism business is becoming more vital.

Weerasak said the agencies would promote niche products to the region, especially hospital, healthcare and medical activities. "We now have many world-class operators to serve medical and healthcare needs, and tourists from the Middle East are key targets."

The private sector is also promoting Thailand as a medical hub as part of making the country a better destination.

Agencies plan to initiate more activities and marketing strategies during this low season to lure more tourists from those countries.

"The new TAT office in Dubai will

help by working with local agents to

add Thailand to their packages," said Weerasak.

Meanwhile, the TAT will be negotiating with Emirates airline to operate more flights between Bangkok and Dubai. The government will also encourage expatriates living in Thailand and multinational companies based in the Middle East to increase investment.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn, said the agency was running a joint promotion with a department store chain to promote Thailand.

The partner will be bringing celebrities to Thailand for photo shoots and also taking them to visit tourist attractions. The TAT expects the campaign to reach more than 300,000 targeted tourists.

Phornsiri said her agency would advertise Thailand tourism products in Emirates' holiday magazine, to which all airlines subscribe.

The TAT will be introducing Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Koh Chang and other emerging destinations, and also new boutique hotels.

"The TAT is also talking with Emirates to run a direct flight between Dubai and Phuket," said Phornsiri.

The TAT and operators recently joined the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai, at which 50 per cent of operators attended for the first time while more than 70 per cent believed the mart would increase their sales volume.