TAT, THAI in joint tourism effort

Wanchai Sarathoonthat, TAT chairman of the board, said the new unit, to be set up soon, would not only encourage tourism for the rest of this year but also in the long term.

The tourism market is facing a tough situation due to many negative factors, particularly an increase in operation costs, the economic slowdown and political unrest.

THAI has already lost close to Bt7 billion during the first six months while TAT is worrying about missing its target of 15 million tourist arrivals for the year.

"Over the next six months, TAT and THAI will initiate marketing promotion and campaigns both at home and overseas to boost the tourism sector," said Wanchai.

THAI is also considering reducing fuel surcharges as oil prices continue to fall.

TAT will join bidding to host international tourism conferences in Thailand. It plans to talk with event organisers in the UK, Australia and other countries.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn said both parties would revive the national campaign "Visit Thailand Year in 2009".

Phornsiri said TAT and THAI would combine their advertisement, corporate marketing campaigns and promotions. The deal could result in huge cost savings. TAT will also use its crisis communications centre as the centre of the working group.

TAT believes it could reach |its tourism target of 15 million arrivals this year because advance bookings from Europe for the coming high season in the fourth quarter have reportedly increased by 10 per cent.

THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said the airline was already prepared for the high season by adding more flights to countries such as Russia.