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Luxury Villas & Homes - News FeedenTue, 19 Mar 2024 03:47:35 CDTTourist Arrivals Up Again in ThailandThu, 28 Jun 2018 02:06:28 CDT
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<p><img alt="" src="/luxuryvillas/assets/ckfinder/userfiles/images/lvh.jpg" style="height:355px; width:586px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tourist Arrivals Up Again in Thailand</strong></p>
<p>Thailand recorded another increase in overseas visitor numbers for the month of May, according to a report by theedgemarkets.com.</p>
<p>Figures reveal that tourist arrivals grew by 6.35 percent year-on-year to a total of 2.7 million. Visitors from China, Malaysia and India led the way, reported Thailand&rsquo;s Ministry of Tourism.</p>
<p>According to official data, overseas visitors spent THB136.7 billion (US$XX) in May, marking an increase of 9 percent compared to the same period in 2017.</p>
<p>Overall, tourist arrivals from January to May rose by 12.62 percent year-on-year, climbing to a total of 16.46 million people. Spending in this period saw an increase of 16.11 percent to THB867.5 billion</p>
<p>Chinese and Indian visitors have been cited as the biggest markets driving revenue this year, according to itij.com. The period from January to April saw visitors from these countries grow by an impressive 30 percent and 17 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2017. These numbers contributed to overall visitor arrivals totalling 13.7 million for the first quarter, up 13.9 percent compared to the same period last year.</p>
<p>April also saw a dramatic increase in overseas visitor arrivals, which were up by 9.38 percent compared with April 2017. Historically, April is a popular time to visit the Kingdom thanks to the additional activities and events surrounding the Songkran festival. Songkran marks the official start of Thailand&rsquo;s green season, and is celebrated with many water-related festivities. This year, a number of special family-oriented events were also organised for those keen to celebrate the Thai New Year.</p>
<p>According to Thailand&rsquo;s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the total number of overseas arrivals in April hit 3,092,725. The top 10 most popular source markets during this period were China, India, Malaysia, Laos, Russia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the US and the UK. The only region not to show strong growth during this period was the Middle East.</p>
<p>Last month, Thai tourism officials also launched a new initiative to attract more visitors from Canada, as they opened a new Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Toronto.</p>
TAT Promotes Family FunMon, 28 May 2018 03:15:07 CDT
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<p><img alt="" src="https://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com//luxuryvillas/assets/ckfinder/userfiles/images/LVH_News28may.jpg" style="display:block; height:568px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:568px" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>TAT Promotes Family Fun</strong></p>
<p>The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently launched a new mobile travel app aimed at families called &lsquo;Family Fun Thailand&rsquo;. The app focuses on promoting the Kingdom as a quality family destination and focuses on the various family friendly attractions and activities.</p>
<p>According to a report on e-turbo travel news, the app also offers a selection of great deals that families can make use of when they visit Thailand. Users can access hundreds of special offers, discounts and privileges at numerous establishments.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Thailand has a wide variety of tourism resources, attractions, activities, infrastructure, hospitality and services that fit for all age groups, so our country actually is a perfect destination for families,&rdquo; said Ms Sorarya Homchuen, director of the TAT.</p>
<p>The TAT has placed a greater emphasis on promoting tourism via technology in recent years with a selection of new apps and services aimed at specific groups of visitors. This official app helps tourists find their way around popular locations, providing key information about cultural attractions and numerous activities.</p>
<p>The TAT also recently rolled out the next phase of its &ldquo;Enjoy Local&rdquo; marketing campaign, by launching a new QR payment plan for visitors. The new QR payment scheme will be available to tourists purchasing products and services at more than 6,000 venues across the country, according to a report in <em>The Bangkok Post.</em></p>
<p>Thailand has long been celebrated as a fantastic family-friendly destination, thanks to its stunning beaches, excellent facilities and array of fun attractions. Islands like Phuket and Koh Samui are particularly popular amongst families travelling with children, thanks to the wide array of choice in terms of fun activities.</p>
<p>Many families travelling to Thailand opt to stay in one of the Kingdom&rsquo;s luxury private villas. As well as being more a convenient option than booking out several hotel rooms for large family groups, private villas offer a wealth of exquisite facilities.</p>
<p>Spacious communal areas &ndash; including pools and gardens &ndash; are a common feature. Plus, indoor zones including mini cinemas and games rooms tend to go down well with families. For those travelling with younger children, babysitting services are often available at Thailand&rsquo;s luxury private rental villas.</p>
Thailand Tourism Boom ContinuesFri, 27 Apr 2018 01:56:16 CDT
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/luxuryvillas/assets/ckfinder/userfiles/images/LVH_News_Thailand_Tourism_Boom_Continues.jpg" style="height:389px; width:584px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thailand Tourism Boom Continues</strong></p>
<p>Recent figures reveal that Thailand&rsquo;s tourism sector is going from strength to strength in 2018. According to a report by Reuters, tourist arrivals to Thailand grew by 16.27 percent in March this year, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, data published by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) shows that a growth in the number of Chinese visitors was largely responsible for the surge in numbers. According to the figures, Thailand welcomed 3.5 overseas visitors in March.</p>
<p>If current trends continue, the country could expect to welcome a record 37.6 million foreign tourists in 2018, up from 35.38 million in 2017. A report published by <em>The Bangkok Post </em>has revealed that the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) predicts that 9.1 million overseas visitors will touch down in the Kingdom in the second quarter of 2018. This figure represents an 11.9 percent rise on the same period last year. Global economic recovery and attractive marketing campaigns have both been cited as possible reasons for the surge in visitors.</p>
<p>In the first quarter, the country welcomed a total of 9.84 million overseas visitors to its tropical shores, up 7 percent year-on-year. Key markets include Southeast Asia (2.6 million visitors, up 10.4 percent), East Asia (3.74 million visitors, up 12.5 percent) and Europe (1.25 million visitors, up 10.6 percent).</p>
<p>Ittirit Kinglake, TCT president, revealed that the growing economies of many countries have a part to play in the surge of visitor arrivals. He said that if the increase in visitor numbers continues at its current rate, then the total number of arrivals could even hit 38.93 million. Such an influx is likely to generate approximately THB2.14 trillion (US$75 billion), up 17.4 percent on last year&rsquo;s revenue.</p>
<p>As well as being attracted by Thailand&rsquo;s stunning array of beaches, exquisite culinary scene and fascinating culture, the country&rsquo;s high-end accommodation sector is one of its most alluring gems. In addition to a number of international hotel groups, the Kingdom boasts a diverse selection of lavish private villas &ndash; many of which are located in holiday hotspots like Phuket and Koh Samui.</p>
<p>According to the TCT, growth in the domestic tourism sector is also anticipated. Figures show that 25% of local people planned to travel in the first quarter of 2018. Plus, 33% expected to travel in the second quarter. This is thought to be due to the extended Songkran holiday that took place in early April.</p>
<p>Over the past year, the government have implemented a selection of measures to entice more visitors to the country. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the TAT, said the tax break strategy for tourists that spend money in 55 of the country&rsquo;s secondary provinces will boost visitor numbers by roughly 10 million. The tax breaks are effective until the end of this year. They will be offered to travellers who spend money on accommodation, food and drinks, as well as organisations that organise seminars in the secondary provinces.</p>
Thailand Invests in Aviation Sector Thu, 29 Mar 2018 03:08:23 CDT
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/luxuryvillas/assets/ckfinder/userfiles/images/LVH_News29march.jpg" style="height:391px; width:588px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thailand Invests in Aviation Sector </strong></p>
<p>The Thai government has unveiled a new strategy to make Thailand the premier tourism and business destination in the ASEAN region, reported www.worldfolio.com. The new strategy, &ldquo;Thailand 4.0&rdquo;, will be driven by innovation across several parts of the tourism sector.</p>
<p>High-spending visitors and medical tourism play a key role in the new strategy. The government also aims to grow the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences &amp; Exhibitions) sector, promote sustainable tourism as well as supporting new tourism start-ups.</p>
<p>Establishing Thailand as a key aviation hub within the ASEAN region is also an important goal. &ldquo;This year is Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018, and the goal is to bring in more quality tourists and maintain the country&rsquo;s traditional tourism markets,&rdquo; says Usanee Sangsingkeo, acting president of the national carrier, Thai Airways. &ldquo;It is also intended to create higher economic value and distribute tourism income to the regional areas of the country,&rdquo; she continued.</p>
<p>Expanding the number of overseas tourists travelling to Thailand will have a hugely positive impact on the country&rsquo;s aviation sector. The U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Airport City Development project are key components of the strategy. Phase one of the project will focus on building a new terminal to establish a third international airport.&nbsp; The new airport, located 140km south of Bangkok, will help to ease pressure on the existing two airports in the capital &ndash; Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The U-Tapao International Airport Development Project is one of several important development projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The project will offer attractive business opportunities for aviation partner companies and suppliers,&rdquo; says Sangsingkeo. &ldquo;The ambitious plan for a new rail system to link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports will improve flexibility and logistical speed for MRO facilities.&rdquo;</p>
<p>According to Sangsingkeo, Thai Airways also plays an important role in supporting the governments &ldquo;Thailand 4.0&rdquo; strategy and attracting more visitors to the country. Thailand serves as a prime gateway to the heart of Asia, and is home to the world&rsquo;s largest growing economic market.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Bangkok remains the most visited destination in Asia-Pacific,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Inbound tourism will continue to expand due to various factors, including the country&rsquo;s &lsquo;tourism friendly&rsquo; environment and the proactive marketing plans of government agencies.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Thai Airways works closely with a range of travel-stakeholders in Thailand, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile and Thai Air Asia, to investigate ways of introducing more flights into the region to cater for the demand.</p>
Thailand Top Choice for Chinese New YearFri, 23 Feb 2018 14:58:00 CST
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<strong>Thailand Top Choice for Chinese New Year </strong></p>
<p>
The Chinese New Year festival saw a spike in the number of tourist arrivals to Thailand, according to reports by <em>The Bangkok Post </em>and asia.nikkei.com. Leading up to the festival, visiting numbers of Chinese were expected to top previous record levels. A total of 6.5 million Chinese people were predicted to head overseas for the long weekend over the festival.</p>
<p>
Thanks to the lure of nature, culture and shopping, Thailand was one of the most popular destinations this year. In fact, the kingdom has always been a popular spot for the lunar New Year celebrations. Bangkok&rsquo;s Chinatown in particular is the site of various processions and parades, and many visitors flock to the area each year to enjoy the spectacular New Year decorations.</p>
<p>
Chinese visitors form the largest segment of overseas travellers in Thailand&rsquo;s tourism sector.</p>
<p>
According to <em>The Bangkok Post, </em>Thailand was set to welcome more than 300,000 visitors from China over the course of the whole celebration, marking a 20 percent increase year-on-year. According to asia.nikkei.com, one travel agent estimated that the festival would generate THB20 billion (US$634 million) in revenue.</p>
<p>
Thailand&rsquo;s Immigration Bureau increased staff levels in order to cope with the extra demand at airport immigration desks. Regular and chartered airlines also increased the frequency of flights between Thailand to Mainland China to 20,677 during the key seven-day period from February 15<sup>th</sup> &ndash; 21<sup>st</sup>.</p>
<p>
Airports of Thailand Plc, as well as pier operators and shopping malls also responded to the prediction of high visitors numbers by increasing services and security levels. Many major attractions also decided to increase staff levels, employing Chinese-speaking staff to communicate with visitors.</p>
<p>
Chinese New Year is one of Thailand&rsquo;s peak tourism periods, according to Suparek Soorangura, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA). &ldquo;Key national tourism organisations, airlines and travel operators are promoting Thailand in their sales kits throughout the year,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This is expected to boost two-way travel between Thailand and popular destinations, including China, Japan and Korea.</p>
<p>
Weerasak Kowsurat, minister for tourism and sports, and Tang Zhijin, the Chinese deputy minister of culture, held a joint celebration for Chinese New Year on 15<sup>th</sup> February. Highlights of the event included Chinese music and dance, martial arts and acrobatic performances. Major Thai retailer, Central Group, also launched an event to celebrate the holiday, welcoming guests with traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances.</p>
TAT Releases Original MusicMon, 29 Jan 2018 01:03:27 CST
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<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/assets/images/LVH.News_29jan2018.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>TAT Releases Original Music</strong></p>
<p>The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an album as part of its marketing strategy for 2018. The album, &lsquo;Open to the New Shades&rsquo;, aims to convey the beauty of Thailand through a total of 13 tracks and the songs have been recorded by popular Thai musician Sekpol Unsamran &ndash; also known as Koh Mr Saxman and the Sound of Siam.</p>
<p>According to the TAT&rsquo;s governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, music is a universal language. Through the new album, visitors from around the world will be able to feel the artists&rsquo; experience and expression of Thailand&rsquo;s attractions, food and traditions.</p>
<p>&lsquo;Open to the New Shades&rsquo; showcases an eclectic collection of Western and Thai music, aiming to highlight the diverse array of experiences a visitor can enjoy in the Kingdom. This is the first time the TAT is using music to promote tourism. They recently held a concert in Bangkok, featuring 20 musicians, as part of a packed calendar of events for 2018.</p>
<p>This year, the TAT aims to achieve a 10 percent growth in the number of overseas visitor arrivals to the country, following a total of 35 million people in 2017. The projected tourism revenue for 2018 is approximately THB3 trillion (US$95 billion). The &lsquo;Open to the New Shades&rsquo; marketing campaign, which was unveiled in November 2017, is a key part of the strategy to attract new visitors. A great many events have been planned to promote different segments of the tourism sector, many of which will focus on unique local experiences.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Thailand is naturally blessed with a busy schedule of annual cultural events that appeal to both domestic and international audiences,&rdquo; said Yuthasak Supasorn in a report on the TAT&rsquo;s website. &ldquo;Thus, the Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 is a unique opportunity for TAT to highlight these, along with traditional favourites, to reach a larger international audience.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The same report revealed that local Thai experiences will have a prominent place amongst the larger, international events. International events will include occasions such as the Moto Superbike race at the BuriRam Racing Circuit and the Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand.</p>
<p>Key segments for upcoming events include sports, gastronomy, maritime tourism, weddings and honeymoons, medical and wellness, community-based tourism, leisure, green tourism, night tourism, MICE, trade fairs, B2B marketing activity and logistics.</p>
Thailands Gastronomy Elevated With Michelin Guide BangkokTue, 26 Dec 2017 00:59:18 CST
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<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="Luxurious grounds of Koh Samui villa" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/assets/images/LVH-News.jpg" /></p>
<p>December 6th marked the start of an exciting new chapter in Thailand&rsquo;s culinary story thanks to the launch of the first Michelin Guide Bangkok, highlighting the diverse array of gastronomic offerings that has long attracted overseas visitors to the Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With the launch of the new guide, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hopes to promote culinary tourism even more over the coming 12 months as visitors flock to try out the country&rsquo;s culinary delights.</p>
<p>The guide includes a total of 98 Thai, Asian and international eateries. For the first time, 28 street food stalls have been mentioned within the famous red guide. The selection of eateries includes three two-star restaurants, 14 one-star restaurants and 35 Bib Gourmand restaurants.</p>
<p>The new Bangkok guide is the first stage of the wider Michelin Guide Thailand, which will cover the period from 2017 to 2021. The Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018 will also include food and restaurants in other popular destinations.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The inaugural Michelin guidebook will elevate Thailand&rsquo;s food scene to a new level of excellence and significantly enhance the country&rsquo;s reputation as a world-class dining destination,&rdquo; said Yuthasak Supasorn at the launch of the guide.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The Michelin Guide is a measure of gastronomic quality for many people around the world. It sets a high benchmark, and we are confident that the launch of the Michelin Guide Bangkok will attract more food connoisseurs to Thailand, which will in turn increase revenue for restaurants and substantially contribute to Thailand&rsquo;s overall tourism and leisure market.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The TAT aims to increase income from Thailand&rsquo;s restaurant business from 20 percent of total tourism revenue for 2017 to 25 percent in 2018, according to a report in the <em>Bangkok Post. </em>This year, the TAT aims to generate THB2.77 trillion (US$84.6 billion) in tourism revenue, 20 percent of which is predicted to be from food. Next year, this total is expected to rise to THB3 trillion (US$91 billion), with food sector comprising THB750 billion (US$22.9 billion).</p>
<p>According to Yuthasak, the new Michelin Guide will fortify Thailand&rsquo;s reputation as a sought-after culinary destination.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;TAT has made gastronomy tourism an important part of its marketing strategy,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Thai cuisine is famous all over the world. It is rare a major city in the world does not boast a Thai restaurant, be it in the form of fine dining or takeaway. All our culinary delights have their roots in Thai agriculture, which was our bedrock source of economic livelihood well before tourism. Now, the Royal Thai Government is more firmly linking both.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Thailand is ranked in 29th globally in terms of certified food vendors. It is second in Southeast Asia, after Singapore.</p>
Thailand Announces Exciting Events in 2018Mon, 27 Nov 2017 00:21:14 CST
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<strong>Thailand Announces Exciting Events in 2018</strong></p>
<p>
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled a jam-packed calendar of events in 2018 in support of their &lsquo;Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018&rsquo; marketing campaign. According to a recent announcement, many of the events will focus on unique local experiences in addition to international events.</p>
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&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&ldquo;Thailand is naturally blessed with a busy schedule of annual cultural events that appeal to both domestic and international audiences,&rdquo; said Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor. &ldquo;The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 is a unique opportunity for TAT to highlight these, along with traditional favourites, to reach a larger international audience.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
According to the report, local Thai experiences will be the highly prominent on the action-packed calendar of events. &ldquo;[These] will be complemented by international events like the first international MotoGP Superbike race at the Buri Ram International Racing Circuit and the Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Each of the events on the calendar falls into one of the tourism sectors the TAT plan to focus on over the coming 12 months. These are sports, gastronomy, maritime tourism, wedding and honeymoon, medical and wellness, community-based tourism, leisure, green tourism, night tourism, MICE, trade fairs, B2B marketing activity and logistics.</p>
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<p>
Some of the first events to be revealed included the Wat Arun Ceremony and Wonderfruit Festival, to take place in Bangkok and Pattaya in December 2017. The Thailand Tourism Festival will take place throughout January 2018, while the Thailand International Kite Festival and Thailand Marathon will take place in February. May&rsquo;s highlights include the International Balloon Festival in Korat, and Chiang Rai Flower Festival will take place in July.&nbsp;</p>
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A selection of night tourism activities have also been announced, including Ong Bak and the Siam Niramitr Muay Thai Live exhibition at Asiatique, plus the Festival of Lights, which will take place along Bangkok&rsquo;s Chao Phraya River.</p>
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<p>
According to a report on ttgasia.com, Thailand&rsquo;s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences &amp; Exhibitions) sector is also preparing for a busy 2018. An array of events has already been lined up, including the Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair in February, the Asia Warehousing Show in March and Batik Design Week, to be held in Phuket in October.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
If you&rsquo;re visiting the Kingdom over the next 12 months, other key events to look out for &ndash; and potentially factor into your travel itinerary &ndash; include the Thailand New Year&rsquo;s Eve Countdown, Thailand Chinese New Year, World Wai Kru Muay Thai and Songkran Festival.</p>Bangkok Airways to Increase FlightsMon, 30 Oct 2017 03:51:12 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Bangkok-Airways-To-Increase-Flights.html
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<strong>Bangkok Airways to Increase Flights </strong></p>
<p>
Bangkok Airways has revealed plans to add more connections to its existing network of destinations, reported The Bangkok Post. According to Khun Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of the airline, rather than add new routes to those it currently serves, the airline is set to boost the frequency of flights to its most popular ports of call.</p>
<p>
According to Khun Puttipong, Bangkok Airways sees high potential in connecting the cities it currently serves both domestically, and in neighbouring countries. One possible new route that has been mentioned is between Phuket &ndash; one of Thailand&rsquo;s most popular tourist hotspots &ndash; and Yangon in Myanmar. This new route is expected to launch some time in 2018.</p>
<p>
A choice of new regional flight paths, particularly from Thailand to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam are also under serious consideration. While no concrete plans have been made at this stage, the fact that these routes are under discussion highlights the consistent popularity of Thailand as a tourist destination.</p>
<p>
Global hotspots like Koh Samui and Phuket are also likely to be amongst the destinations where Bangkok Airways&rsquo; flight frequencies are increased. Well-heeled visitors head back to these destinations year after year for their vacations, often choosing to stay in private villas.</p>
<p>
So far, the only new route that has been revealed as part of Bangkok Airways&rsquo; expansion plans is a link between Bangkok and Phu Quoc, Vietnam&rsquo;s largest resort island. Flights between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phu Quoc will launch on 29 October, using 70-seater ATR 72-600 turboprops.</p>
<p>
At present, the airline has eight domestic routes, plus five paths linking Thai provinces with nearby countries. The most popular domestic routes include Chiang Mai to Phuket, Krabi to Koh Samui and U-tapao to Koh Samui.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>TAT Launches WeChat app for Chinese VisitorsThu, 28 Sep 2017 03:28:48 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/TAT-Launches-WeChat-App-For-Chinese-Visitors.html
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<strong>TAT Launches WeChat app for Chinese Visitors</strong></p>
<p>
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new WeChat app to cater to the growing number of visitors from China. The new app will provide useful news and information along with images, voice and video sharing options.</p>
<p>
The tool is part of the TAT&rsquo;s existing &lsquo;Visit Thailand&rsquo; application. Chinese visitors can access all of the services via the Mandarin Chinese social media platform. The new service provides a handy addition to the assistance already available for Chinese tourists, including the TAT&rsquo;s Call Centre 1672 and the online TAT Contact Centre, both of which are already available in Mandarin. All of these services co-ordinate to provide instant and effective assistance to Chinese travellers enjoying the delights of Thailand.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;The Chinese travel market is cut off and very different,&rdquo; Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor told the Thai press. &ldquo;It is vital, as the county&rsquo;s whole online ecosystem is effectively the largest closed &lsquo;intranet&rsquo; in the world. WeChat &lsquo;Visit Thailand&rsquo; levels the playing field, giving Chinese tourists a preferred communication tool they trust in their native Mandarin dialect.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
As well as providing a platform for visitors to discover up to date news and information, the WeChat &lsquo;Visit Thailand&rsquo; app will also offer real-time updates on attractions, accommodation and various dining venues. It is available in both Thailand and China.</p>
<p>
WeChat is currently China&rsquo;s most popular social media app, with 889 million active users, and this figure looks set to grow, according to the China Internet Network Information Centre. The number of internet users on mobile devices increased from 620 million in 2015 to 695 million in 2016, so a growing number of people will have access to apps like WeChat Visit Thailand.</p>
<p>
China is one of Thailand&rsquo;s key target tourist markets. The Kingdom welcomed 8.8 million Chinese visitors in 2016, generating a total of THB430 million (US$13 million) in revenue. This number is expected to swell to nine million visitors in 2017.</p>
<p>
Thanks to the rise in independent Chinese visitors visiting Thailand, villa rentals are growing in popularity as an accommodation choice. Not only do they offer exquisite facilities on a par with some of Thailand&rsquo;s top hotels, but they also offer the additional luxuries of space and privacy. Thanks to the new photo and video sharing service, the new WeChat &lsquo;Visit Thailand&rsquo; app will allow guests to share their lavish villa experiences with friends and family who are also on the app.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Visa Boost for Medical TourismWed, 30 Aug 2017 02:51:29 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Visa-Boost-For-Medical-Tourism.html
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<img alt="" height="332" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/LVH_News_Aug17.jpg" width="581" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Visa Boost for Medical Tourism </strong></p>
<p>
Thailand&rsquo;s already strong medical tourism sector is projected to enjoy further growth in coming months thanks to the government&rsquo;s introduction of a new visa extension scheme. People from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and China for the purposes of medical treatment are eligible for the programme.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
According to a report in <em>The Bangkok Post, </em>the latest visa extensions are part of a strategy to boost Thailand&rsquo;s reputation as a medical tourism hub. Patients from these countries will have permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
The new extended stay allowances also apply to up to four companions per patient. Previously, people from these countries were only permitted to stay for one month. Noppadon Pakprot, deputy governor for tourism products and business at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), believes that this latest measure will give the medical tourism sector a significant boost.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Figures published by Kasikorn Bank&rsquo;s Research Centre, suggest that medical and wellness institutions in Thailand provided 3.2 million treatments to foreigners last year. The majority of these were medical check-ups, cosmetic surgery procedures and dental services. The research also revealed that visitors travelling to the Kingdom for the purpose of medical tourism will help to generate THB48-49 million (US$1.4 million-1.5 million) in income for private hospitals in 2017. This figure represents a growth of 3-4% year-on-year, compared with the 8% increase recorded in 2016.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Kasikorn is not the only source to recognise Thailand&rsquo;s potential as a world leader in the medical tourism sector. At the recent Messe Dusseldorf Asia trade fair, managing director Gernot Ringling revealed that Thailand could emerge as the region&rsquo;s medical tourism hotspot, as it attracts 550,000 Asean patients on a yearly basis.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&ldquo;Across the region medical tourism is on the rise with more than 3.5 million consumers arriving in Southeast Asia annually,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Globally, the medical tourism market is expanding by up to 25 percent each year and is worth more than US$55 billion annually.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
The development of advanced technologies that can deliver increasingly high-quality care is an important part of the sector&rsquo;s growth. For example, robotic surgery, 3D printing, implantable devices and use of automation all have an important role.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
The country&rsquo;s broad selection of luxury private villas is also supporting the burgeoning medical, health and wellness segment. These exclusive properties are increasingly being used as a tranquil base for those who want to recuperate following medical procedures in the Kingdom. Many of the most luxurious properties with the best facilities are situated in islands like Phuket and Koh Samui.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
In addition to providing private surroundings for those building their strength back up after medical operations, many of Thailand&rsquo;s private villas also come with a dedicated team of staff. Having helpful assistance on hand throughout the day is an important part of the recovery process for patients who have travelled to Thailand for a medical procedure.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Thai Airways Triumphs at Global Airline AwardsMon, 31 Jul 2017 02:18:22 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Thai-Airways-Triumphs-At-Global-Airline-Awards.html
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<img alt="" height="315" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/Thai%20Airways(1).jpg" width="474" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thai Airways Triumphs at Global Airline Awards</strong></p>
<p>
Thai Airways International (THAI) scooped three prestigious awards at the Skytrax 2017 World Airline Awards Ceremony, according to a report on tatnews.org.</p>
<p>
The airline won accolades for World&rsquo;s Best Economy Class and Word&rsquo;s Best Airline Lounge Spa, the latter of which they won for the third year in a row. They also triumphed in the Best Economy Class On-board Catering. The ceremony was held at the Paris Air Show in late June.</p>
<p>
As well as the above honours, the airline was also recognised as one of three carriers listed among the World&rsquo;s Best Airport Services 2017 and one of three names for the Best Economy Class Airline Seats.</p>
<p>
The airline&rsquo;s success at the Awards shows that for people travelling to Thailand, the Thai experience starts the moment they step onto the plane.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;THAI and its employees have worked exceptionally hard to make continual developments on our products and services, for the utmost comfort and convenience of its passengers,&rdquo; said Usanee Sangsingkeo, the airline&rsquo;s acting president.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;We are honoured to receive these three top Skytrax awards in recognition of our excellent products and services as a premium, full service carrier, which shows that our standards are amongst the best airlines in the world.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
The Skytrax Survey is the basis for the World Airline Awards. It was launched in 1999 as the first annual airline customer satisfaction survey, and is 100% independent and impartial. This year&rsquo;s research was conducted during the period from August 2016 to May 2017 amongst 19.87 million travellers, covering the products and services of over 320 airlines.</p>
<p>
In recent years, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has focussed its efforts on attracting high-spending visitors to the Kingdom, with many marketing campaigns targeting the luxury end of the tourism sector. THAI Airways allows visitors to start and finish their trip to Thailand in style.</p>
<p>
The main gateway to the Kingdom &ndash; Bangkok&rsquo;s Suvarnabhumi Airport &ndash; is also focussing its efforts on improving facilities for discerning travellers. A new first class lounge was launched at the airport earlier this year, featuring its own outdoor annexe. Launched by The Miracle Group, the premium lounge is designed to accommodate customers flying with any of the 50 airlines that serve Suvarnabhumi Airport. Measuring more than 3,000m2, facilities in the zone include a comfortable lounge area, food and drinks services, WiFi access and rest rooms.</p>
<p>
In addition to Thailand&rsquo;s high-end aviation sector, its luxury accommodation segment is also growing. In addition to the luxury boutique hotels found in many parts of the Kingdom, the standard of facilities available in Thailand&rsquo;s private villas is also getting higher. Many of the country&rsquo;s most luxurious properties are situated in holiday hotspots like Phuket and Koh Samui. Featuring sea views, gardens and their own swimming pools, a growing number of visitors are turning to private villas for the personalised, boutique services they offer.</p>Thailand Major Player in Luxury Travel SectorThu, 29 Jun 2017 03:56:29 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Thailand-Major-Player-In-Luxury-Travel-Sector.html
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<strong><img alt="" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/LVH29j_News.jpg" style="width: 590px; height: 394px;" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thailand Major Player in Luxury Travel Sector</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Thailand has the potential to become one of the world&rsquo;s finest luxury tourism destinations, say tourism experts from around the globe. According to a report in <em>The Bangkok Post, </em>Thailand is on target to become one of the leading high-end destinations in the world thanks to its unique products and premium travel services.</p>
<p>
Other leading luxury destinations include Spain, Italy, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, according to industry experts. While high-end travel is often associated with the accommodation sector &ndash; and hotels in particular &ndash; experts say that full-service airlines, luxury sedans or limousines, fine-dining restaurants and high-end retail boutiques like Jim Thompson Silk all contribute to the overall ranking. Upscale travel agencies also have an impact on the quality of the unique offerings and products available to visitors.</p>
<p>
Experts revealed that the luxury tourism sector offers travellers the time and space that they need to unwind. For example, high-spending visitors will usually travel to their destination for longer periods, and will generally seek lavish accommodation options with excellent and tailored levels of service.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;While Thailand is home to some of the world&rsquo;s leading luxury hotel brands, the Kingdom&rsquo;s luxury private villa sector is also growing,&rdquo; says Wayne Hue, marketing director at Luxury Villas and Homes. &ldquo;Guests that stay in one of Thailand&rsquo;s luxury villa rentals are rewarded with the benefits of five-star facilities, exclusive surroundings that they can enjoy in private and an unprecedented level of service, which is tailored exactly to each visitor&rsquo;s needs,&rdquo; he says.</p>
<p>
Currently, Phuket is one of the destinations leading the way in terms of the country&rsquo;s luxury tourism sector &ndash; but Koh Samui is touted to be close behind as the next upscale destination for discerning visitors. Home to designer malls and a range of high-end accommodation options, Bangkok also has the potential deliver in terms of its luxury experiences. However, without the stunning beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, Bangkok&rsquo;s tourism sector will have to work harder to achieve the same levels of high-end success as its coastal counterparts.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;Many of Thailand&rsquo;s luxury island villas are situated in less developed areas, which means visitors can enjoy quieter and more exclusive surroundings,&rdquo; adds Wayne. &ldquo;These properties offer panoramic ocean views and direct beach access, which really gives them the wow factor that high-spending tourists are looking for. They&rsquo;re also being used more and more frequently for destination weddings.&rdquo;</p>New Luxury Lounge Open at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi AirportWed, 31 May 2017 00:25:30 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/New-Luxury-Lounge-Open-At-Bangkoks-Suvarnabhumi-Airport.html
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<img alt="" height="392" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/LVH31m.jpg" width="589" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>New Luxury Lounge Open at Bangkok&rsquo;s Suvarnabhumi Airport</strong></p>
<p>
A new first-class lounge was launched recently at Bangkok&rsquo;s Suvarnabhumi Airport in Concourse D that caters to premium airline customers.</p>
<p>
A total of THB200 million (US$5.8 million) was invested into the development of the new facility and it was greeted as excellent news by travellers who want a luxurious experience from the moment they arrive in Thailand until the moment they leave.</p>
<p>
Many of the Tourism Authority of Thailand&rsquo;s (TAT&rsquo;s) recent marketing campaigns have focused on attracting high-spending tourists to the country, and according to Miracle Group&rsquo;s president, Aswin Ingkakul, whose company operates the lounge, the facilities are open to premium customers flying with any of the 50 plus airlines that serve Suvarnabhumi Airport, in addition to privileged credit card holders.</p>
<p>
Miracle Group also claims that the new facility is the largest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, measuring more than 3,000 sqm with amenities that include plush furnishings, food and beverage services that match hotel standards, along with WiFi access and private restrooms. The company has a strong track record in providing luxury facilities at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports, and was voted best airline premium lounges in the Asia Pacific region in 2012, 2013 and 2015.</p>
<p>
Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of Southeast Asia&rsquo;s chief airport hubs, providing entry to the region from travellers flying in from Europe, Africa, Australasia and the Americas. The airport&rsquo;s retail offerings are already first-rate, with a broad selection of traditional Thai and designer shops for travellers to browse before they board their flights.</p>
<p>
Many of the boutiques are dedicated to high-end Thai brands, offering visitors the chance to pick up exclusive souvenirs for friends and family back home.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Thailand’s tourism sector looks bright for 2017Wed, 26 Apr 2017 01:33:33 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Thailands-Tourism-Sector-Looks-Bright-For-2017.html
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<img alt="" height="361" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/Thailand%20tourism.jpg" width="589" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thailand&rsquo;s tourism sector looks bright for 2017</strong></p>
<p>
Thailand&rsquo;s travel and tourism sector is currently a strong position in the global rankings, having grown by almost 11 percent in 2016 with an average growth rate of 5.5 percent per year.</p>
<p>
Analysts predict that Thailand&rsquo;s tourism sector will be the 10<sup>th</sup> fastest-growing market in the world over the next decade, according to a recent report by the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council.</p>
<p>
In 2016, travel and tourism contributed THB2.9 trillion (US$84 billion) to the country&rsquo;s GDP, some 20.6 percent of the total. The sector also provided jobs for more than 15 percent of Thai people in employment, with 5.7 million positions across the country.</p>
<p>
The latest report also showed that overseas visitors are spending more than in previous years whilst on holiday in the kingdom, generating THB1.9 trillion (US$55 billion), an impressive growth of 13 percent.</p>
<p>
Investment into the sector reached THB245.5 billion (US$7 billion), comprising 7.1 percent of all investment in the country. This comes as positive news for Thailand&rsquo;s tourism sector, as its outbound expenditure also increased by 10.7 percent &ndash; showing the country is not only an attractive destination with overseas tourists, but also that Thai people are enjoying more international travel.</p>
<p>
To support growth in the sector and the rising demand, it is predicted that the number of jobs it provides will rise by 6.9 percent to 6.1 million. By 2017, it is forecast that the total number of jobs the travel and tourism sector provides will grow by 4.6 percent per annum, to 9.6 million jobs.</p>
<p>
The Thailand tourism industry also got off to a shining start this year, with impressive visitor numbers recorded in the first quarter of 2017. In the past six months, Thailand estimates that revenue from the tourism industry increased by 4 percent. According to figures covering the period from October 2016 &ndash; end of March 2017, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that the sector had generated THB1.33 trillion (US$38 billion) in revenue. Overseas visitors are thought to have generated THB860 billion (US$25 billion) of that figure. The figures published in the reports are based on exit surveys and financial sources including credit card spends.</p>
<p>
Visitors from China, Russia, Malaysia, the UK and the US represent Thailand&rsquo;s leading visitor nationalities. According to the figures, Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket were the most popular destinations, followed closely by Koh Samui, Krabi and Chiang Mai.</p>TAT Collaborates with Singapore AirlinesThu, 30 Mar 2017 01:06:44 CDT
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/TAT-Collaborates-With-Singapore-Airlines.html
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<img alt="" height="272" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/LVH%2030m.jpg" width="586" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>TAT Collaborates with Singapore Airlines</strong></p>
<p>
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently joined forces with Singapore Airlines to promote tourism cooperation, according to a report on travelweekly.com. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which will remain in force for the next two years.</p>
<p>
The MOU aims to promote travel to Thailand from markets in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa and provides evidence of the TAT&rsquo;s efforts to hone in visitors in the high-end sector, who have high spending power. Such visitors are more likely to seek out boutique and luxury accommodation options, such as one of the private villas on islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui.</p>
<p>
The MOU will cover a succession of joint activities encompassing promotional campaigns, marketing, familiarisation trips, collaborative road shows and the development of new products. Via these routes, the new strategy is expected to boost visitor arrivals from these key markets.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;This MOU signing ceremony marks a major new drive on tourism cooperation between TAT and strategic partners in key source tourist markets from around the world, all of which are under the objective of promoting travel to Thailand,&rdquo; said Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor. &ldquo;The MOU with Singapore Airlines in particular, will allow us to strategically attract more travellers from the four specific markets to enjoy the unique Thai local experiences here in Amazing Thailand.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
Thanks to its world-class hospitality sector, Thailand is growing in popularity with high-spending visitors from around the globe. Other key source markets include the UAE, UK, Germany, USA, China and South Korea.</p>
<p>
Islands like Koh Samui and Phuket in particular are home to a wide portfolio of luxury rental properties, many of which come with direct access to the beach or are tucked away in hillside or beach locations with exquisite views of the ocean. The impeccable service that guests receive from dedicated in-house teams of staff at the villas also makes puts this accommodation option on a par with some of the world&rsquo;s most lavish hotels.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;We look forward to working with TAT on many exciting activities to promote Thailand as an attractive tourist and business destination to the world,&rdquo; said Goh Choon Phong,&nbsp; CEO of Singapore Airlines. &ldquo;Combined with Singapore Airlines&rsquo; wide global network and dedication to excellent customer service, we are confident we can increase visitor arrivals to Thailand.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has set a target of 34.5 million international visitor arrivals for this year. If this number is achieved, it will generate revenue of approximately THB1.81 trillion (US$50 billion) &ndash; an increase of 10 percent year-on-year.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Music Festivals Attract More Visitors to ThailandSun, 26 Feb 2017 23:08:28 CST
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Music-Festivals-Attract-More-Visitors-To-Thailand.html
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<img alt="" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/27lvh.jpg" style="width: 590px; height: 387px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Music Festivals Attract More Visitors to Thailand</strong></p>
<p>
Music festivals may become a new driver for Thailand&rsquo;s tourism industry, according to a recent report by CNBC. The Land of Smiles has played host to an array of world-class acts over the past several years, both at festivals and one-off concerts.</p>
<p>
A variety of new festivals have been established in recent years, attracting locals and overseas visitors, as organisers tap into the increasing demand for live music.</p>
<p>
Wonderfruit and Arcadia were launched in 2014, closely followed by Maya Music Festival the following year. This year will see the launch of three new events, including the Mystic Valley Festival, Transmission in March and Paradise Island in April. Each festival caters to different tastes but mainly focuses on electronic dance music (EDM) genres.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;In Thailand, the market for electronic music &ndash; which isn&rsquo;t difficult to digest and is easy to become educated about &ndash; is growing the fastest,&rdquo; says Pranitan Phornprapha, founder of Wonderfruit. &ldquo;There is room for lots of content.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
The four-day Wonderfruit festival, which took place from 16<sup>th</sup> &ndash; 19<sup>th</sup> February, offers festivalgoers a wide selection of art, music and food. The event is also based on promoting the principles of an eco-friendly life, combining fun activities with ways for visitors to support social changes that are moving towards a more sustainable way of living. Based at Pattaya&rsquo;s Siam Country Club, there was also an impressive selection of art installations for visitors to enjoy, as well as a plethora of delicious food outlets.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;We definitely believe that this is a market segment that the government should look into,&rdquo; says a spokesperson from the Mystic Valley team. &ldquo;Not only is it bringing overnight travellers into the country, generating income, and potentially increasing international and domestic flight traffic, it will improve national infrastructure to cater to tourism traffic in the long run.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
While Thai visitors still comprise the bulk of attendees at the country&rsquo;s many music festivals, approximately 40 percent of guests at Wonderfruit festival each year are international visitors. The team at Mystic Valley predicts that approximately 30 percent of visitors to its festival will be from overseas. In the long term, as the number of foreign visitors making their way to Thailand&rsquo;s music festivals increases, so Thailand will be able to add concerts to its growing list of attractions.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;People are now selecting music festivals to attend based on their overall travel experience,&rdquo; says Priya Dewan, the founder of Life Asia &ndash; a start-up business that organises travel packages to Wonderfruit for visitors from in Singapore. &ldquo;Thailand is a country with a vibrant and rich culture, so that&rsquo;s a big factor as to why festivals there are appealing to international audiences.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
At present, the majority of these events take place in Thailand&rsquo;s holiday hotspots so organisers can take advantage of the steady flow of visitors. The money spent as they travel around the country before and after the festival is therefore also a major consideration for Thailand&rsquo;s travel related businesses.</p>TAT Hosts Special Tourism FestivalMon, 30 Jan 2017 02:30:26 CST
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/TAT-Hosts-Special-Tourism-Festival.html
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/lvh30.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 300px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>TAT Hosts Special Tourism Festival </strong></p>
<p>
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revived its much-loved Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF), in Bangkok&rsquo;s scenic Lumpini Park this year. The event coincided with the city&rsquo;s Chinese New Year celebrations and attracted more than 650,000 visitors and has generating up to THB400 million (US$11.3 million).</p>
<p>
&ldquo;Thailand has so much to offer visitors and domestic tourists,&rdquo; Khun Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of TAT told the <em>The Nation </em>newspaper. &ldquo;We want this year&rsquo;s Thailand Tourism Festival to showcase the unique local experiences and attractions to be found in all parts of the nation.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
To kick start the event, at 7am on the first day of the festival visitors had the chance to make merit by giving alms to monks. Flight tickets worth more than THB1 million (US$28,226) were also up for grabs for visitors who spent more than THB10,000 (US$282), as part of the lucky draw.</p>
<p>
A wealth of activities was also laid on for festival-goers, with ten different zones across the park, each of which highlighted &ldquo;Typical Thai-ness&rdquo; in the five main regions of the country &ndash;&nbsp; North, Northeast, East, South and Central.</p>
<p>
Zone 1 also showcased the incredible array of the Kingdom&rsquo;s flora and fauna, as well as paying homage to the late Kings Rama IX and Rama X. King Rama IX passed away in October last year, and the display offered visitors the chance to discover more about his reign and the various projects he launched to help Thai people.</p>
<p>
A selection of the festival&rsquo;s zones were also be dedicated to showcasing the Kingdom&rsquo;s many culinary delights, allowing guests to sample tasty foods from different regions of the country. In addition, a number of eco-friendly activities were organised for festival-goers as part of the TAT&rsquo;s bid to boost the tourism industry&rsquo;s sustainability and provide a model of green tourism for other countries to follow. As part of this, a selection of fun games have been organised to promote the importance of recycling.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;I feel sure that visitors to this event feel inspired to travel to other areas around Thailand over the course of 2017,&rdquo; says Supasorn. &ldquo;We can only offer a small taste of the Kingdom&rsquo;s delights, but we hope that is enough to give everyone, Thais and locals alike, the Thai travel bug.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Thailand Pays New Year Homage to the Late KingWed, 21 Dec 2016 02:19:00 CST
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/Thailand-Pays-New-Year-Homage-To-The-Late-King.html
<p style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" height="391" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/LVH_News_Dec16.jpg" width="589" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thailand </strong><strong>P</strong><strong>ays </strong><strong>New Year </strong><strong>Homage to the Late King</strong></p>
<p>
A series of events for the New Year period have been arranged so that Thai people and international &nbsp;visitors can pay homage to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King&rsquo;s birthday on 5<sup>th</sup> December saw people gather across the capital city, Bangkok, to remember the monarch. A range of traditional New Year celebrations have also been organised as a mark of respect for the King.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;2016 has been a milestone year for the Thai people, and we want to ensure that December marks a time of reflection; a time when we can some together as a people and truly appreciate the amazing work that His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej carried out during his reign,&rdquo; said Khun Tanasak Patimapragorn, deputy prime minister general of Thailand. &ldquo;As the new year dawns, it is the perfect time for the people to unite in their Thainess and to welcome guests from around the world as we look with confidence towards the future.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
On New Year&rsquo;s Eve, a mass nationwide prayer event has been organised, where participants will take part in Buddhist chanting. The praying will take place at many temples and shrines across the whole country, in addition to some holy sites in other neighbouring ASEAN countries.</p>
<p>
Gathering at temples to pray and make merit has long been a traditional way to welcome the new year, but this year&rsquo;s events are set to be even more special. Once again, the nationwide praying event will begin with an 89-second silence to commemorate the life of the late King, with each second marking one year of his life. At 9pm on New Year&rsquo;s Day, candles will be lit and prayers will take place to welcome in the new year, as well as honouring the late Ling. Many Thai people will also seize the opportunity to visit nine auspicious temples to receive blessings for the forthcoming year. Locals, as well as visitors from overseas, are welcome to join these events.</p>
<p>
&ldquo;Everyone, including visitors to Thailand is invited to join the prayers, which are dedicated to the Thai nation, religion and the Thai monarchy, which make up the three pillars of the Thai state. We would like people to get out and explore Thailand as the new year ends and everyone has a long New Year break,&rdquo; says Khun Yuthasak Susaporn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).</p>
<p>
&nbsp;&ldquo;Thailand is entering a new era with a new King, so this is the perfect time to truly find out what it means to be Thai,&rdquo; added Khun Susaporn. &ldquo;So, go and discover unique local experiences, revel in the rich culture, arts and cuisine of the Kingdom and meet fellow Thais while spending valuable time with family and friends. This unity means we can face the future with happiness and optimism.&rdquo;</p>TAT Taps into Expat MarketWed, 23 Nov 2016 23:52:03 CST
https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/TAT-Taps-Into-Expat-Market.html
<p style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" src="http://www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com/images/LVH_News(1).jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 300px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>TAT Taps into Expat Market</strong></p>
<p>
In its latest move to boost high-end tourism across the Kingdom, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has tapped into the country&rsquo;s population of expats. In late October, the TAT launched the all-new Expat Fair Thailand as part of their efforts to boost tourism within Thailand to this sector.</p>
<p>
Thailand is currently home to 110,000 expatriates and form another key market for the authority to reach out to through their various marketing schemes. According to a report on tatnews.org, 70 percent of all expatriates are in management positions or higher. This therefore means that a large proportion of this group have high spending power, which fits in well with the TAT&rsquo;s campaign to boost the overall value of holidays across the country.</p>
<p>
The Expat Fair was the first in a series of events launched by the TAT to appeal to this sector. The event focused on promoting holiday destinations within its &ldquo;12 Hidden Gems&rdquo; campaign. This programme hones in on lesser-known destinations across the country, including culinary adventures in Trang and beach getaways in Chumphon. Promoting alternative destinations &ndash; some of which are close to hotspots like Samui and Phuket &ndash; is expected to relieve tourist congestion in the most popular tourist magnet regions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
According to the report on tatnews.org, the authority plans to make the expat fair an annual event that welcomes individuals from Australia, China, Hapan, South Korea and the US &ndash; and more. It will certainly prove a useful source of information for those people working in the country who are planning short getaways and longer vacations.</p>
<p>
Thanks to the excellent facilities at many of Thailand&rsquo;s private villas on islands like Phuket and Koh Samui, an increasing number of expats are planning longer vacations in the Kingdom. Excellent internet connectivity and dedicated study suites mean that professionals can keep track of work whilst enjoying the benefits of luxury holiday surroundings at the same time.</p>
<p>
In addition to the Expat Fair, the TAT also hosted the Food Fun Fair last month in Bangkok. The event saw thousands of visitors flock to the city&rsquo;s Fragrant Park for the two-day event, which showcased Thailand&rsquo;s exquisite culinary culture. As well as being able to sample the delights from a plethora of food trucks offering numerous world cuisines, visitors could attend cooking competitions, mini concerts and TAT booths promoting each of the destinations in the &ldquo;12 hidden gems&rdquo; campaign.</p>