There is a new campaign launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), called “Best Deal” which it hopes will attract visitors to Chiang Mai and other northern Thai provinces from the regional markets.
|
Speaking at a press conference today, the TAT Deputy Governor for international marketing, Mr Sansern Ngaorungsi stated that TAT and the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association as well as over 180 local tourism partners were working together to guarantee the success of the “Best Deal” campaign. The partners involved in this included local hotels, spa resorts, golf courses, and many other members of commerce. He went on to say that, any visitor booking online through the special websites would receive up to 50% discount and would also have the opportunity to take advantage of special offers and benefits. There is a special three day two night package with 15-20% discount being offered in three variations to suit all visitors. They are:
There is also a range of new routes and products on the website for the independent traveller who prefers to plan their own tour. The website provides information for the traveller from airline schedules, nature guide, shopping guide, and to explaining currency exchange information. Mr Sansern added that about 50,000 visitors from the Asia and South Pacific region were expected to take advantage of this offer. The introduction of the internet has made online booking a simple operation especially for the younger generation. This campaign is focused on the visitors looking to get away from city life for a weekend in nature.
|
The campaign has a major objective of generating business for the Northern provinces in the so called “Green Season”, the monsoon season. At this time of the year, arrivals from the European and North American markets drop off. The campaign is designed to help small businesses increase their income at a time when the number of visitors normally declines. It will also help keep people involved in the hotel and tourism industry in employment as well as giving the airline companies a return on their investment. The project has been introduced in line with national development plans to correct the economic imbalance that exists among the different regions in the country, Mr Sansern said. Chiang Mai has a historic heritage that it has managed to maintain while developing the region into a modern economic and tourist centre for Northern Thailand. The range of accommodation has greatly improved in recent years from luxury boutique hotels to spa resorts and bed and breakfast guest houses. There are currently ten airlines flying into Chiang Mai International Airport from all areas of Asia. |