A Message from our Thailand office:
Hello from Bangkok, Thailand!
There’s plenty of cause for optimism in the Land of Smiles at the moment, with new partnerships being forged, tourism services expanded and international arrivals continuing to grow. We also have some exciting announcements about events coming up in March, so let’s dive right in…
The big news from the past few weeks has been Thailand continuing to strengthen tourism ties with China. This centred around a high-profile meeting held in Beijing on 21 February between H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, and H.E. Mr. Hu Heping, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.
According to the Bangkok Post, the benefits of the Chinese travellers’ return are already being seen in the tourism sector. The paper says that “Airlines are optimistic about recovery this year, with an expansion of services to China being a key driver.” Following on from major growth at the backend of last year, 2023 has continued in the same vein.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, chief executive of SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV) and Thai AirAsia (TAA), recently noted that, after resuming China routes in January this year, “the airline expects to regain 28% of pre-Covid-pandemic capacity to the mainland within the first quarter”. Again, according to the Bangkok Post, the company plans to “ramp up services to China to 40 flights per week this quarter.” For all of us working in the inbound tourism sector, this means more flights, more arrivals and bigger business potential in the months ahead.
As if that wasn’t enough cause for celebration, Thailand is also set to host a number of festivals and events in the weeks ahead. The biggest one is Pattaya Music Festival 2023, which will be held every weekend in March. The four-week event concept is ‘Sound on the Sand’, and will feature loads of awesome music acts, all live and direct on the beautiful beaches of Pattaya this month.
Panorama Destination Thailand will also be taking to the stage in March, at ITB Berlin 2023, held in Germany from 7-9 March. You can us at Hall 26B Stand No.217, table number 59 inside the Thailand Pavilion. If you’re planning on visiting the show, we certainly hope to see you there! The event will give us the chance to show visitors a few up-and-coming destinations in the Thailand tourism landscape, along with some old favourites.
One of our hottest products at the moment is the Four Islands Tour in Krabi by a longtail boat. This unique tour puts an emphasis on sustainability, showcasing the natural beauty of the Krabi coastline with some of the most beautiful destinations off the shores of Ao Nang. It is the perfect trip for travellers who have a short stay in Krabi – this way you can visit four famous islands and beaches (Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tub Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island) in just one day’s adventuring with iconic longtail boats.
March in Thailand will be hot and humid. The country heats up as the days go by, especially in the northern and central regions, with the average daily high temperature reaching 34°C. Temperatures in the south are generally lower than those in the central and northern regions. The calm seas and clear waters throughout the southern region in March make it an ideal destination for lovers of beach breaks and diving excursions.
Whatever your clients are looking for, they’re sure to find it in Thailand! If you have any special requirements or requests, do get in touch and we’ll be happy to recommend a trip that’s tailored to their needs. We look forward to working with you – and hopefully meeting you at ITB Berlin 2023!
Pat Pattaranan Sappattarabune
General Manager, Panorama Destination Thailand.
Destination digest: Thailand news in brief
A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently:
Thailand expects up to 700m Chinese tourists in 2023
Officials predict that the number of Chinese tourists to Thailand may reach around 64 percent of the pre-epidemic level in 2019. Speaking at a signing ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China Tourism Group (CTG) Travel Services Co, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s minister of tourism and sports, said he was expecting to see more Chinese tourists in Thailand.
(source: Global Times)
New tourist entry fee to be added in Thailand
Thailand will have a new entry fee for international arrivals beginning 1 June, 2023. As first reported by the Bangkok Post, the new entry fee will be 300 Thai Baht (US$ 8.75) for travellers arriving in Thailand by air. For those arriving overland or by sea, the fee is half that at 150 Baht (US$ 4.35). It has not yet been determined how travellers will pay the new fee.
(source: Forbes)
Thailand sends ‘a million thanks’ to India
Thailand’s tourism officials are expressing their gratitude to India for the high number of Indian tourists in Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently hosted an event in New Delhi, India, entitled “A Million Thanks: Amazing Thailand Night Reception,” to express gratitude to the Indian travel industry for promoting Thailand as a top tourist destination.
(source: Thaiger)
South Thailand tourism grows by over 600%
The number of tourists that visited South Thailand’s Surat Thani province last year jumped by over 600% from 2021, according to officials. The province includes the holiday paradise islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Surat Thani Governor Witchawut Jintoe, citing the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said the province saw 3,690,642 tourists last year, a 666% increase from the previous year.
(source: Thaiger)
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