Tourism Authority of Thailand has organised a series of webinars, panel discussions, product updates sessions in association with hotel partners from Thailand for DMCs, wedding planners and travel partners in India. In order to understand the current situation of touristic activities and more updates read the exclusive conversation with Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi Office.
Q. What is the current status of ‘Tourism Activities’ have you started receiving tourist? VS: TAT with Thai tourism and travel associations and businesses has launched domestic tourism campaign and promotions to enhance travel in major destinations and secondary cities destinations to stimulates economy circulate from domestic tourism. During the Thai long weekends, TAT has seen a good number of domestic tourist movements in many parts of
the country.
However, for international tourists with leisure purpose will take some time as the country is gradually opening up for international travellers; which at this stage are those essentials travellers. As of now the 11 groups of Thai and non-Thai nationals, currently allowed to enter in Thailand with ‘Certificate of Entry’ from a Thai embassy or consulate overseas, include foreigners who require medical treatment – except for COVID-19 in Thailand, and their attendants, and foreigners permitted to enter the kingdom under a special arrangement with a foreign country.
Personally, I am hoping to see a resumption of international flights soon. The airports around the country including Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport have been following the safety and hygiene measures with the adjustment to the new normal and containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to ground management, airlines in Thailand have tightened their safety measures on board to enhance passengers’ confidence when it comes to flying.
Q. Would you like to elaborate on your promotional strategies? How are you doing
at this moment? VS:Strategies of Tourism Authority of Thailand for India market at the moment, and also for recovery and post-COVID-19 period is to maintain and promote Thailand as ‘Top of Mind Destination’ by focusing on our communication (mainly online) directly with the tourists and also with our partners in India to give current situation updates as well as the latest information on destination, product and services in Thailand.
TAT is working closely with partners in India and Thailand. TAT has organised a series of webinars, panel discussions, product updates sessions in association with our hotel partners in Thailand, DMC, Travel agent partners in India, wedding planners and other online activities.
Recently TAT has conducted India Luxury Virtual Connect (ILVC), India’s first ever virtual roadshow, which was designed exclusively for leading travel partners across key metro cities in India to touch base with the Thai private sector while maintaining social distance from their respective homes. TAT has also conducted a #throwbackthailand contest for pan India bloggers and influencers and received massive response.
Q. What are the safety measures that you are initiating for international travellers?
VS: With the ‘New Normal’ of traveling that put safety and health as priority. I am happy to inform you that Tourism Authority of Thailand has introduced ‘Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration’ or SHA Certification. This is aimed at elevating the country’s tourism industry standards and developing confidence among domestic and international tourists. The Amazing Thailand SHA Certification is to prepare Thai tourism operators to be ready for the return of tourism post COVID19.
Q. Have you prepared any guidelines for the tour operators/travel agents or tourist coming to Thailand? VS: TAT has been continuing and consistence in updating situation to our partner in travel trade and directly to consumer. In addition, what we are communicating need to be in line with the sentiment of the market as well because we need to creating confidence and good relationship with our travel trade and tourists. We need to understand and adapt the change of travel trade and tourist behaviour by listen and engagement more on ‘Voice of Customer’ as well as ‘Voice of Stakeholder’.
It is important for us to communicate how Thai travel and tourism industry is preparing to ensure on safety and health as well as the readiness to welcome back Indian tourist to Thailand.
