BANGKOK- Five strategies will support the
National Tourism Development Plan from Thailand’s Ministry of
Tourism and Sports. The 11th Plan will run from 2012 to 2016 with an
objective of US$ 65 billion in tourism-related revenue by 2020.
Tourist arrivals could add another 5 to 6 million foreign visitors
until 2020, especially with soaring figures from China, India and
other ASEAN countries. Initially, the Thai government estimated that
30 million travellers could visit Thailand by 2020 but figures
softened following political unrest in 2010 and floods in 2011.
By comparison, total international arrivals stood over the 19
million mark in 2011 while revenues reached approximately US$ 25
billion. According to PATA, Thailand will however continue its
strong recovery in 2012 with 21.2 million foreign travellers
expected, a growth of over 20% compared to 2011.
The five strategic points comprise the development of infrastructure
and logistics to raise tourism quality; build a creative economy by
launching new products and encourage investment in tourism and human
resources; rehabilitate tourism sites and strengthen rules and
regulations to keep high quality despite the rise in total arrivals:
build Thailand’s image to improve both visitors and revenues numbers
and improve cooperation between government’s officials and local
organizations involved into tourism.
Vancouver, B.C. - Award
winning tour operator BikeHike Adventures announces a brand new
cycling adventure from Laos to Thailand. The 11-day biking journey
is led by BikeHike founder Trish Sare, departing for the first time
on December 4th, 2013. Cyclists begin in historical Luang Prabang
riding a sequence of rural roads and mountain trails cut by local
hill tribes. The journey ends in Thailand's Chiang Mai after a total
ride of 661 km/410 mi.
"I wanted to put together a point-to-point biking tour that
captures an authentic piece of Southeast Asian culture," said Trish
Sare. "The route we have created does just that by taking us to
places that are otherwise difficult to come across, and are
therefore untarnished by mainstream tourism."
Riding eastward, cyclists will traverse through jungle,
farmland, and countryside, stopping at riverside villages to lodge
each night. Amidst long days on bicycles and various riverboats,
stops will be made at local villages and markets. Here cyclists will
be greeted with the ambient sounds of various local languages,
colourful vehicles, and smells from the local restaurants. A stiff
average daily ride of 83 km/51 mi will keep the heart pumping and
playing field challenging.
All meals are included and take place at local establishments
or are prepared by Lao and Thai guides. Nights are spent in lodges
and guesthouses, allowing for cultural interaction with local
children and village inhabitants. The goal is to expunge an
authentic Southeast Asian experience by touching the local scene and
steering clear of westernized establishments.
Biking Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai departs Dec 4-15. Trip
costs start at $3,299 USD (land only). No single supplement fees are
charged to solo travellers. About BikeHike Adventures
BikeHike Adventures is a Vancouver based global adventure
travel company that offers guided tours to 30 destinations
worldwide. BikeHike caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a passion to
go a little deeper during their travels. Highly experienced and
personable adventure guides facilitate the wonder and pride of
exploration. Both big and small groups are accommodated with varying
degrees of difficulty. If exploration is your lifestyle, BikeHike
Adventures is your mentor. The results are memorable journeys, new
friends, culinary treasures, a satisfying sense of accomplishment
and a new worldview. Visit BikeHike.com for more info.
By Theodore Koumelis - 08 April 2013
Destination
Thailand invigorates its investment in tourism
Thailand Board of Investment is actively promoting
investment in activities that support Thailand
tourism such as Yach marinas, theme parks, cultural centers,
aquariums, open zoos, convention halls
and international exhibition censers are examples of
activities supported by BOI -
www.boi.go.thBANGKOK - Thailand is well known around
the world for its exotic and vibrant tourism industry.
Although there are on going expansion in other industries
but tourism still remains as a major attraction in
Thailand's service industry. Thailand is a popular tourist
destination for its tropical climate, beaches, lively
nightlife, diverse and friendly culture, delicious food,
shopping centres, and its location at the heart of Southeast
Asia.
In 2011, Thailand suffered a major flood that left a huge impact
on several industrial sectors in Thailand. Thailand tourism
industry proves to be one of the most resilient in quick turn
around. In 2011 tourism industry alone has earned USD 25.4
billion, well above the original target of USD 23 billion
according to Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Number of
tourists has also increase from 19,230,470 in 2011 to 22,303,065
in 2012 creating many opportunities for an investment in the
industry that support country's tourism.
In line with expanding and growing service industry, Thailand
Board of Investment (BOI) has outlined its supports
through tax and non-tax incentives for investments that promote
tourism and strengthen technological capacity for Thailand to
achieve quality services to meet global standards and
competitive advantage in the service industry.
Thailand Board of Investment, the main government agency for
promoting investment in Thailand is actively promoting
investment in activities that support Thailand tourism such as
Yacht marinas, theme parks, cultural centers, aquariums, open
zoos, convention halls and international exhibition centers are
examples of activities supported by BOI. Other opportunities for
investment in Thailand's tourism infrastructure are movie town,
hospitals, hotels, long-term accommodations for foreign
retirees, and short-haul air transport, tow boat or yacht
renting, and ocean marina service.
Thailand has a long experience in service industry and is well
equipped with supply of quality skilled labor, modern
infrastructures, international standard services, and strong
markets demand to meet the needs of the investors.
THAILAND IS READY FOR TTM+2013
BY ANDREW J. WOOD, ETN THAILAND | APR 24, 2013
BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is
ready to organize another travel extravaganza to restate
Thailand’s stance as the regional hub for holiday business.
TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni revealed that the tourism
authority will hold “Thailand Travel Mart Plus The Greater
Mekong Subregion” or TTM+2013 during June 5-7 at Impact Muang
Thong Thani in suburban Bangkok.
Mr. Suraphon said the upcoming travel promotion event is aimed
at promoting Thai travel destinations and tourist service in the
international market through business deals and negotiations
between Thai and foreign business operators.
He added that the TAT hopes the event will help open more doors
for small- and medium-sized businesses to meet markets outside
Thailand.
The TAT Governor stated that this year’s event will be organized
under the theme “Customize Your Experience” and will see the
participation of at least 400 local businesses, ranging from
travel agencies to hotels and resorts, airlines, golf courses,
and spa services.
Mr. Suraphon said that 413 buyers from 62 countries already
confirmed their presence at the event.
He also noted that TTM+2013 will also be an opportunity for
tourism businesses in the Greater Mekong Subregion to join and
help highlight Thailand’s position as the travel hub of this
region.
VIETNAM - INSPIRING INCENTIVE
DESTINATION
Inspiring Incentive Destination
In the current phenomena Employees’ satisfaction,
expectation and motivation being the core of dynamic
corporate environment, today’s Human Resource
Managers are presenting a wide range of incentives
to the employees of the company. One of such
marvelous schemes is Incentive Tours. These tours
are offered as incentives to appreciate the
remarkable performance of the employees in their job
for the company. Vietnam is now an inspiring
incentive destination which unfolds many offbeat
experiences to make the tour memorable with
thrilling value-additions that bring out the real
flavor from the place of visit.
Time to build some team spirit!
Where else would you like to be for some team spirit
rising rather than a country full of sunshine,
friendly people, captivating landscapes and cultural
diversities like Vietnam. Not only blessed with this
awesomeness, now the country also offers
professional MICE venues and services that can
please the all clients. Vietnam, besides holding
Meetings, Conventions and Exhibitions, has also been
a favorite Incentive destination in recent years.
While organizing an incentive trip, teambuilding is
an important part which now can be more exciting
than ever before and completely tailor-made upon
your needs.
Rich in nature and culture, there are many
destinations for you to choose from to be your
teambuilding landmark. HG Travel brings you a number
of offers where your needs can be met. It can be
Hanoi - the country’s heart of a thousand year which
can surely bring you a total unique cultural
experience. Halong Bay – a UNESCO heritage site
where the ocean breeze cools you mind and the wild
childhood dream revitalized under the sails of a
cruise ship. You may also opt for Tam Dao – the
little hill-station town at 1000m over the sea level
where the air is as fresh as it can be or Lang Co –
the spectacular beach line in the middle of Vietnam
with white coast sand embracing the endless blue sea
where all of the most exciting teambuilding
activities under the sun can be made. Or, simply
head to Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s biggest city
where the vibrant life makes you energized. There
are many other places for you to choose, no matter
what your needs are.
The activities for teambuilding can be different and
this is the most interesting part. Whole packages
such as Halong Bay discovery cruise, the luxury Au
Co Cruise in the Gulf of Tonkin, The Kick off,
Return of the Legendary Sword, The Caterer Or you
can book a tour which includes one of a few sessions
of teambuilding with exciting games such as
Marshmallow Challenge, Spy Game, Corporate Raiders,
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Global Market, Bubble
Burst, Chain of Command… The organizer uses Sen
Motion teambuilding technology which combines
outdoor high energy activities with indoor cognitive
experiential learning in order to ensure the
participants' personal development and team
bonding.
HG Travel will help organizing all teambuilding
requests to make you a memorable incentive trip.
For further information, please visit our
website www.hgtravel.com or
contact:
Head office: 47 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hanoi,
Vietnam
Tel: +84-4-37 333 333
Email:
marketing@hgtravel.com /
info@hgtravel.com
Cambodia – A Family Vacation
Cambodia may not seem to be the most
apparent destination for a family holiday
yet. Thus the allure will be even greater by
giving your family an authentic insight into
a unique culture still relatively unknown to
much of the world - hopefully creating
memories and impressions that last forever.
Far more than an ordinary sightseeing trip,
this tour is tailored to every family
member, allow them to share the fun,
excitement and truly discover Cambodia.
Enjoying on-the-go-highlights like
capturing the excitement of Lara
Croft’s Tomb Raider or of Indiana Jones’
adventures by solving ancient riddles,elephant
ride at the majestic Angkor Wat temple; relaxing
on horseback rides through local
rural villages; visiting hospitable
local houses in Siem Reap; or
floating on the Tonle Sap Lake to
some fishing villages.
In the spotlight during your stay in
Cambodia, HG Travel offers you aboundless,
stunning sight high in the air over the
amazing Angkor Wat – UNESCO World heritage
on a tethered helium balloon. And
of course, as you had made all the way to
Cambodia, you should not miss the famousApsara
dance while enjoying sumptuous
Asian dinner.
Shall this journey is still a bit short for
your family, HG Travel surely can offer you
an all-inclusive package tailored to your
clients’ wishes that won’t be limited to
boundaries nor activity highlights in the
regions.
Our Cambodian family vacancy is ideally made
for a family-retreat and“being-together” for
the already starting summer holidays. HG
Travel hopes to create everlasting memories
and impressions that can be told again and
again at every family gathering.
THAILAND AWARDED AS THE "BEST
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DESTINATION"
Published on : Friday, June 28, 2013
Thailand receives the “Best International Travel
Destination” award at the seventh edition of CNBC AWAAZ
Travel Awards, organized in association with Maharashtra
Tourism Development Corporation in a glittering ceremony
Director of TAT New Delhi, Ms. Runjuan Tongrut, received the
award on behalf of Amazing Thailand. On receiving the award, she
said, “We are very delighted and honored to receive this
prestigious award. The entire team would like to thank the jury
members and all the voters for the immense support to Amazing
Thailand. We will continue our endeavor to promote new
destinations and new offerings of Thailand and look forward to
your continued support.”
The CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards is an annual event to recognize
and honor best in class destinations, organizations and
service providers in the tourism industry based on a
consumer survey through mailers sent by CNBC Awaaz, backed
with a strong powerful jury from the travel fraternity
comprising of Amitabh Kant, CEO and Managing Director, Delhi
Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation and Ajeet
Bajaj, Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures. Votes are
internally audited to ensure the validity of each individual
vote.
A total of 34 awards were presented in different categories.
Thailand is known for its pristine beaches, shopping
experiences, cuisine, spa and warm hospitality. It is also
the preferred locale for Indian weddings as well as a
Golfer’s paradise.
Recently, Thailand
won the ‘Best Value Destination (International)’ award
conferred by Lonely Planet Magazine-India, ‘Best Country’ Award
by Travel & Leisure, India, “Favourite Country (Thailand)”
by Conde Nast Awards 2013 and “Best Spa Destination (Asia)
2013” by Asia Spa India
Network 18 is India ‘s No.1 News and Information Network and
owns some of India ‘s biggest & most credible media brands
in the business and consumer space like CNBC-TV18, CNBC
AWAAZ, CNN IBN, IBN7,
Moneycontrol.com and
commoditiescontrol.com.
source: CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards.
By Luc Citrinot - 23 July 2013, 2013
LAOS TOURISM - IT IS TIME TO
RETHINK LAOS STRATEGY
VIENTIANE - “Simply Beautiful- I love that slogan
because this sounds so true. But unfortunately, it now
lacks a strong campaign behind to promote Laos
differently from other countries”. A rather strong
opinion which comes from one of Laos’ most successful
local businessmen in tourism, Inthi Deuansavan, Head of
Green Discovery Tour Operator and Inthira Hotels.
Laos remains probably Southeast Asia’s best kept secret
destination. “This is a wonderful place for someone
who wants to experience Asia from its most natural side.
Trees, waterfalls, hills and mountains, relatively small
cities have left Laos well preserved”, says
enthusiastically Alexandre Tsuk,
Managing Director of Inthira Hotelsand also
vice-president of the newly-to-be-launched PATA Laos
Chapter.
Over the last ten years, tourism to Laos has grown
tremendously. From 2008 to 2012, total foreign arrivals
went up from 1.74 to 3.33 million, a jump of 91%. But
numbers can be deceiving: neighbouring Thailand
represents alone over 58% of all arrivals in 2012, while
Vietnam added another 21.2% market share. Together,
Thailand and Vietnam generated last year 2.64 million of
all arrivals to the landlocked country. And their type
of tourism is probably not the most interesting for a
country. While Thais mostly visit Laos for shopping and
casinos, Vietnamese go mostly to their neighbour for
casinos, shopping or in transit to Thailand…
It leaves only 687,000 arrivals from the rest of the
world. In 2008, total arrivals from all countries except
Thailand and Vietnam topped already 494,000. This
represents a growth of 28 % between 2008 and 2012, or
just a modest 5.6% per year. This explains why
professionals in tourism find necessary today to
redefine the way to promote Laos.
“I believe that we do not capitalize enough on the
fact that we are the green lung of the Mekong area, the
equivalent of a Costa Rica for the entire region. This
is what I would love to see being communicated.
Especially as Laos lacks the iconic destinations that
most other countries in Southeast Asia can rely on, from
Angkor Wat in Cambodia to Phuket in Thailand or Bali in
Indonesia”, adds Alexandre Tsuk.
Even official foreign institutions working directly or
indirectly in tourism feels that Laos is missing an
opportunity to gain more fame worldwide. “It looks
as if the government looks at tourism as a negligible
activity. The Ministry of Tourism has been degraded to a
simple department following its merging with the
Ministry of Communication and Culture. And budgets have
not increased for promotion”, explains a foreign
based institution. “Their limited resources do not
allow them to show a strong presence around the world”,
adds the organization. “Even when Laos is present at
big shows such as ITB, its boost is too small and gets
by most people unnoticed”, adds Mr. Deuansavan.
“Simply beautiful” is indeed a nice slogan which truly
describes the country’s essence. But the Laotian
government has now to show more professionalism by
launching a real marketing strategy with themes to
attract a larger number of travellers, especially in the
field of niche or specialist tourism.
Rock climbing, cyclo-tourism, architecture and heritage
trails, river tourism, the promotion of Laotian cuisine,
craftmen and designers of the textile industry: all
these elements already exist. But they are mostly the
initiatives of either the private sector or NGOs. They
just now need the federating element to promote itself
on a global scale using all the instruments existing
today such as social media, websites, mobile
applications. A unified of Laos image and products will
in return attract a broader number of travellers.
Meanwhile, visitors to Laos can still easily venture
outside the traditional circuit made by Vientiane-Vang
Vien- Luang Prabang to enjoy an Asian authentic
experience… This is probably one of Laos’ best assets so
far.