TAT plans more group weddings

Couples planning to wed or take their honeymoons have become a potentially lucrative market for Thailand, despite the uncertainty caused by the economic crisis and the Kingdom's political problems.

Auggaphol Brickshawana, the TAT's deputy governor for tourism products, said the agency is promoting three products internationally - ecotourism, medical tourism and "trendy" products.

As part of the latter category of products, "weddings and honeymoons are important magnets for high-end tourists this year," Auggaphol said.

This group spends three times more per head than general visitors, at approximately Bt50,000 per person per trip, he said. In particular, the authority is targeting tourists in this group from France, India, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The TAT is also working with luxury hotels and Thai Airways International to host annual group-wedding ceremonies in Thailand. The alliance held its second group celebration at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Hotel from June 18 to 20.

Fifteen couples from several European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium and France, joined the celebration. Miss France first runner-up also celebrated her wedding here while a leading French model was among the guests.

Last year, the TAT and Rose Garden Resort hosted the first event, which drew 15 couples from Europe, most of them French. Thailand is already the third most popular honeymoon destination for French newlyweds, following the Seychelles and the Maldives.