Fair to boost travel
May 25, 2009 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Travel federation opts for domestic travel fair this August.
The Federation of Thai Travel Associations is planning its first ever travel fair, this August, to promote domestic travel.
Thai Hotels Association president, Prakit Chinamourpong, a member of Fetta, said the federation said members had agreed a fair would help to compensate for losses in the international travel market by boosting domestic travel.
“It is a necessity because the overseas market has suffered substantial losses. We have to admit the prospect of 90% occupancy in the winter season is not possible this year,” said Mr Prakit. “We have to get business elsewhere.”
He believes the fair will attract 1,500 booths at the city’s largest exhibition centre, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in the northern suburbs of Bangkok.
Fetta’s spokesperson, Charoen Wangananont, confirmed TTAA members would support the fair, but revenue will go to Fetta.
Fetta is made up of eight travel associations: Association of Thai Travel Agents; Thai Travel Agents Association; Association of Domestic Travel; Thai Ecotourism Adventure and Travel Association; Thai Hotels Association; Bus Operators Association; Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance; and Thai-Chinese Tourism Club.
It was formed after a breakdown in relations with the official Tourism Council of Thailand that was created as an industry representative, similar to a chamber of commerce.
However, personality issues and disagreements resulted in the breakaway association, although the government still officially recognises the Tourism Council as the legal voice of the industry.