TITF attracts bargain hunters

BANGKOK, 17 August 2012: The 11th Thai International Travel Fair opened yesterday attracting consumers who snatched up airline deals valid through the last quarter of the year and some into January 2013.

The 11th TITF continues to Sunday, 19 August at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, but consumers in the know had snatched up the big discounts on airline travel  as soon as the doors opened. More than 400,000 consumers are expected to visit the show by Sunday.

Despite the rush to grad bargains on Friday there are still plenty of discounted tourism services valid for use until December under the theme Amazing Winter.

TTR Weekly estimated discounts ranged from around 30% to 40% off standard market prices for hotels, land packages and airline fares.

Owned by the Thai Travel Agents Association the show is the second of the year, but on a smaller scale to the one held in February.

There are 600 booths representing products offered by hotels and travel agents. The core attraction on day one was the fare bargains offered by 13 airlines.

In addition, there were products from cruise companies (five), car rental companies (four), attractions (five) and national tourism organisations (seven).

The Tourism Authority of Thailand supported domestic tourism sales with 20 booths that were distributing free brochures on holiday ideas and tips.

Japan National Tourism Organisation had the biggest display in the outbound travel section, while new comer to the show Yogyakarta Tourism Promotion Board had a high profile due to heavy promotions and a road show campaign organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association.

The OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) zone was scaled back to a smaller zone in the upper C lobby and Plenary Hall.

TTAA estimates an attendance of 400,000 visitors during the four-day show generating a consumer spend of around Bt400 million. Packages and deals offered at the fair will have a travel period July to January.