TAT outlines southern strategy

BANGKOK, 20 July 2012: Thailand’s southern beaches will get an image brush up to position them as green or ecotourism destinations, while secondary southern destinations will gain more attention in the TAT marketing plan for 2013 fiscal year.

Last week, TAT southern region executive director, Poramet Amatyakul, outlined the region’s objectives in the TAT marketing plan 2012/13.

Domestic tourism should generate Bt453 billion in South Thailand.

The slogan to drive business is “Pah Suay Talay Sai Laklai Wattanatham” (beautiful forests crystal clear ocean water and various traditions).

It will focus on boosting green tourism at southern islands such as in Lanta Island and Samui Island.

Secondary tourist destinations will also be in the limelight particularly Ranong and Chumphon. Another factor is religious tourism that can be developed in the deep south to attract Muslim travellers.

Provinces such as Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala are at a disadvantage due to security risks that deter international tourists, but they could still attract Muslim travellers from neighbouring countries, who have more confidence that they will be safe visiting the area.

TAT campaign highlights for the southern region:

• Chuan Gan Tiew Tai Nueng Buak Nueng Tao Gab Sam (come travel to the south with one plus one equal three) Packages will be sold through travel fairs.

• Nakhon Si Dee Dee Tee Diew Tiew Krob Kruang (travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat, one place get all) – tap religion and culture;

• Phang Nga Non Tid Daw Raka Tid Din (luxury stay in Phang Nga with value price). The campaign uses value pricing to attract Thai tourists to visit Phuket and Phang Nga during the rainy season;

According to the TAT Marketing Database, the average length of stay in South Thailand is 2.72 days for Thai tourists and 4.22 for international tourists with average spending of Bt1,894.89/ person/ day (Thai) and Bt4,167.47/ person/ day (foreigners). (Info. Last updated in 2010)