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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled marketing strategies to attract one million Indian visitors by 2012.

Last year Thailand received more than one million visitors from Malaysia, Japan and China.

"Our marketing strategy is based on the fact that there is virtually unlimited potential from India in all categories of travel, be it leisure, business, Mice [meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions], honeymooners or special interests," said TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn.

She said the TAT would be developing the Indian market over the next few years in both major cities and secondary cities nationwide. The increasing number of flights between the two countries by both Thai and Indian airlines will provide the necessary feed.

India is one of Thailand's most rapidly growing markets and the biggest source of visitors from South Asia.

Last year Indian visitors totalled 506,237, up 17.8 per cent over 2006, crossing the half-million mark for the first time. Major increases were in family travellers, first-time visitors and FITs (free individual travellers).

In January-June this year, international arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport totalled 5.62 million, up 14.4 per cent over the same period last year, with arrivals from India up 14.59 per cent to 276,478.

"Political chaos in Thailand is not affecting the India market as people perceive little more danger here than at home," Phornsiri added.

TAT opened its New Delhi office in 2004 and appointed a marketing representative in Mumbai last November. This year Mumbai will be upgraded to a full-scale office.

The Amazing Thailand brand is now being promoted in India along with key sub-themes Thainess, Beaches, Nature, Heritage, Health and Wellness, Chic and Trendy Products, and Festivals.

This year, for the first time the TAT hosted a Bollywood film-award ceremony, getting massive television coverage across India. Thailand is also becoming popular for Indian honeymooners and shopping enthusiasts.

The TAT's targeted segments are families, incentive groups, wedding parties and honeymooners.

Phornsiri said marketing strategies covered advertising in a range of high-end publications, increased B2B and B2C promotion in tier-II cities and joint promotions with travel agents.

The TAT also plans a lot more celebrity marketing by bringing Indian movie stars to Thailand for feature productions and other publicity-generating events.