THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is gearing up to enrol more high net worth individuals into its membership privilege scheme, the Thailand Elite Card, in order to encourage repeat visits and grow visitor expenditure.
TAT representatives from Russia and Asia-Pacific convened last week for a briefing on the revised scheme, ahead of a global relaunch to take place this month.
The NTO expects 1,300 new members in the year following the relaunch and will target China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Russia, South-east Asia and Commonwealth countries in its latest offensive.
Briefings for TAT representatives in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the US will be conducted later in June.
Under the scheme, members are eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa to Thailand and may stay for up to a year each time. Cardholders will also enjoy Thailand Elite Personal Assistance at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket Airport, including a fast-track immigration channel, airport transfers on BMW Series 7 limousines and 24-hour call centre access for assistance.
Furthermore, they can enjoy the use of five-star golf and spa facilities up to 24 times a year.
New members are required to pay a down payment of two million baht (US$65,600) and an annual fee of 20,000 baht for a 20-year validity period.
Suraphon Svetasreni, governor, TAT, and chairman of the board, Thailand Privilege Card, said: “The Thailand Elite Card will go a long way towards helping TAT raise the level of visitor arrivals to new heights. It will certainly be good for our luxury hotels, boutique properties, shopping malls and the many niche-market products that we are now focusing on.”
