Thailand continues to focus promotional efforts on India, with a clear emphasis on sustainable travel. From 22-24 February, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) took part in South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2024, held in New Delhi, India. SATTE is India’s largest annual travel fair, which attracts around 35,000 trade visitors and provides a platform for travel and tourism industry professionals from all over the world.
The Amazing Thailand Stand was opened by Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Thailand’s Ambassador to India, along with TAT Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chote Trachu. TAT’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, noted that SATTE provides a valuable opportunity “to showcase Thailand’s unique tourism offerings and sustainable tourism direction.”
TAT’s goal in attending SATTE 2024 was to consolidate Thailand’s position as the top tourism destination for Indian travellers. This was achieved through a combination of networking and promotion, which in turn helped to secure more than 5,000 business appointments.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “key strategies to realise our targets will be subsidy schemes for incentive, wedding, and celebration groups. Joint promotions with airlines and travel agents will be offered for repeat visitors and golfers. Just as importantly, we will continue to strengthen our presence through India’s leading shows including the Outbound Travel Mart in Mumbai, and this SATTE in New Delhi.”
Top of the agenda for the TAT team at SATTE 2024 was the kingdom’s ever-growing range of offerings with sustainability as the central concept. The Amazing Thailand Stand at the exhibition provided insights into local craftsmanship from around Thailand, showcasing the rich variety of cultures and traditions visitors can explore.
In line with Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), TAT’s strategy is to promote more meaningful interactions between visitors and locals, with a focus on nature, culture and lasting memories from the Land of Smiles. In addition to business discussions, TAT hosted an ‘Executive Luncheon’ for India’s leading tour operators and an Amazing Thailand Media Briefing at SATTE 2024, which helped communicate theses priorities to the wider world.
With 1.62 million visitors in 2023, India was Thailand’s fourth-largest source market. As of 19 February, over a quarter of a million (262,986) arrivals have already made the trip this year. To further spur this growth, the Thai government has agreed to waive tourist visa fees for Indian citizens from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024 this year, with plans to generate 80 billion Baht from approximately 1.74 million Indian arrivals.
