SHOW REPORT THAILAND TRAVEL MART 2011 Thailand's global growth Tourism Update
The 10th Thailand Travel Mart in Bangkok welcomed 368 sellers and more than 335 buyers from 54 countries to one of the region's premier trade shows. Steven Thompson reports from the event
Dreams come true in Khao Lak
Furama Hotels International
JASON PECK Chief Executive Officer What is your feeling
Thailand’s international visitor
numbers soared in 2010 in spite of the economic slowdown and political unrest. In part due to a focused global
marketing effort by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), 2010 turned out to be an excellent one for Thai tourism with international visitors totalling 15.9 million, 12.6% higher than the previous year. This year has also got off to a strong start with 8.2 million visitors between January and May, up by 24.4% on the same period last year. According to Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor of International Marketing for TAT, the northeast region of Thailand is an area that is being really pushed for 2011. “It is still underdeveloped as a tourist destination, so will appeal to the
visitor looking for something different. It can also be combined with a trip to Laos and Vietnam. “The government is trying to promote
all types of holidays to Thailand including the north east. We have also set up a committee to see how we can further change the international perception of what Thailand has to offer the visitor. “Our unique offering is our world- famous Thai hospitality. Combined with great value, fantastic food, amazing beaches and massages, it makes Thailand a great destination for British visitors.” The recent general election passed off peacefully in Thailand and Juthaporn Rerngronasa is keen to assure tourists that the country will continue to be a 'safe haven' for them.
www.tourismthailand.org
Kao Sok's five-star organic retreat Kao Sok sees the opening of the first
The new eco-friendly Casa de la Flora hotel, made up of 36 contemporary grey cube villas, tiered back from the coastline and set in lush vegetation. has opened in Khao Lak. The resort’s on-site ‘Dream Maker’
gets to know each guest individually and helps to fulfil all their wishes. www.
designhotels.com/casadelaflora
IN BRIEF
Hua Hin opening for Cape Hotels The latest addition to the Cape Hotel
Collection is the newly-opened 59-room Cape Nidhra Hotel in Hua Hin. Located in the seaside town once reserved exclusively for affluent Thai society, the boutique hotel's oversized rooms and stylish décor make this one of the resort's most distinctive hotels
www.capenidhra.com
Singapore Mandarin's green award The Mandarin Orchard Singapore
is now a Singapore Green Hotel. Organised by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Singapore Green Hotel Award seeks to recognise hotels for environmentally- friendly practices. www.
mandarinoriental.com/singapore
World Heritage Hangzhou lake UNESCO has awarded World Heritage Status to the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou. The area awarded World Heritage Status includes the famous West Lake and the three hills surrounding Hangzhou, the Ancient Capital of China. Hangzhou is 45 minutes from Shanghai via the 350kph bullet train (approx £12).
ever organic boutique resort in southern Thailand. The Thanyamundra offers nine
Asian antique-filled rooms and suites in two modern Thai inspired villas, situated on a working organic farm at the edge of one of earth’s oldest rainforests. Just two hours drive from Phuket International Airport, Thanyamundra
on how the travel industry is faring at the moment in the Far East? The Far East has always been a great destination for both leisure and business travellers, with a unique charm offering scenic and exotic destinations. Coupled with affordable air fares from numerous budget carriers within the region, this has certainly contributed to its growth.
What type of person/holiday do you feel Furama hotels best suit? Furama offers three brands. FuramaXclusive provides the best personalised quality service for clients who like the extra touches. Then our four- star Furama hotels offer the best value, whilst those looking for great value can choose our FX brand, known for its chic design and stylish comfort. All our brands are in city and resort destinations and whatever the reason for travel, Furama Hotels offers a good lead-in price for Far East multi-centre holidays.
only welcomes 20 guests at a time and provides an easily accessible escape from urban life on the most intimate scale. All accommodation is also fully equipped with modern comforts from high-speed wireless Internet and LCD flat screen televisions to Thai silk interiors, plus a variety of invigorating fitness and leisure facilities.
www.thanyapura.com
How are you increasing awareness among the UK & Irish travel trades? We appointed the Anand Collection as our UK Rep. Through Jas Anand we offer sales calls and training to any agents who require it. We also offer special travel agent rates.
Do you have any special promotions/ rates on at the moment? We offer value-added benefits and bonus nights throughout the year.
What’s new for Furama over the next few months? In 2011 we are fully opening two hotels in Bangkok and a new resort in Koh Samui. Furama Silom, Bangkok, is an elegant four-star flagship hotel under an award-winning brand, centrally located in the heart of Silom. FX Resort Chaweng, Koh Samui, is set amidst lush tropical garden in the Chaweng area. FX Hotel Makkasan, Bangkok at Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station offers full airport check- in services.
www.furama.com or email
jas@anandcollection.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com • July/August 2011 11
TAT
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