THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Jakarta Office has come up with a number of programmes to entice Indonesians back to the country following a nationwide rescinding of the curfew two weeks ago.
Nithee Seeprae, director of TAT Jakarta Office, noted that some 600,000 Indonesian travellers visited Thailand last year. “This year up to May, there were around 200,000 arrivals. When martial law was imposed last month, some cancelled their visits, but those who decided to still come have returned to Indonesia saying they enjoyed their stay, felt safe and enjoyed good shopping bargains.”
Nithee targets a 15 per cent increase in arrivals for 2014. “With good promotion, hard work and help from Indonesian outbound operators and media, we are confident of achieving the target of 750,000 arrivals this year.”
To that end, TAT has launched the Yuk ke Thailand lagi or Let’s go back to Thailand campaign, highlighting the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014, halal tours, golfing and festivals.
The fasting month of Ramadan this year coincides with Indonesia’s school holidays and TAT’s Halal Tour, which includes stays in certified halal hotels and visits to the Java Mosque.
Indra Nugraha, marketing manager, TAT Jakarta Office said: “Travellers can practise fasting, and the hotels can provide (breakfast before dawn) and iftar.”
Indra added: “We invite outbound operators to discuss with us on programmes. We are working with Siam Paragon, for example, to give welcome packs and souvenirs (for groups).”
TAT is also introducing new products for repeat visitors, such as Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Cartoon Network Amazone theme park, which will open in July in Pattaya. The NTO continues to promote destinations beyond Bangkok like Hua Hin, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Furthermore, TAT Jakarta office will invite tour operators and the media to visit Thailand as part of TAT’s big Welcome Party for Best Friends, a mega fam trip from July 22-26.
Paskorn Siriyaphan, ambassador of Thailand to Indonesia said: “The situation in Thailand now has returned to normal. The curfew has been fully lifted nationwide, so tourists can freely explore Thailand. Shopping complexes, restaurants and other attractions operate normally and (are already) packed with tourists.”
TAT is going all out with promotions in its source markets such as India (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 20, 2014) to make up for revenue lost during a tumultuous 1H2014.
