TAT helps finance tour agencies' advertising cost

"European tourists are returning to Thailand, but TAT still needs to continue stimulating the market," TAT Governor Phornsiri Manoharn said yesterday. TAT is spending about Bt50 million out of its Bt600 million budget to market Thailand to overseas tourists on supporting major overseas tour operators that plan to arrange chartered flights and special advertisements to promote Thailand.

TAT will cover up to 50 per cent of the advertising cost.

Under the agreement with TUI, which sets aside Bt20 million for advertising on the Thai market, TAT will allocate Bt7 million to the company.

TUI expects to bring at least 16,000 tourists to Thailand, who would spend a combined Bt852 million. Several tour companies have expressed interest in joining the campaign, and overseas TAT offices are screening the proposals. The campaign lasts until September or when TAT runs out of financial resources.

Other programmes will target Thai communities in Europe, such as housewives and students. If they travel in a group of over 15 persons, one member will receive a free ticket.

As TAT is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, it would also strengthen cooperation with Thai Airways International to bring in more familisation trips.

Phornsiri said that upon the end of her term of governor this month, as the chairman-elect of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, she would continue encouraging more travel to Asia-Pacific destinations including Thailand.