Event bookings can earn vouchers
February 4, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
Thailand’s largest convention venue launches a membership programme to attract more business.
Impact Muang Thong Thani announced last week what it call a “Society Corporate Reward Card” that offers clients a chance to redeem discounts when they book their next event at the venue.
The Impact Exhibition Management company general manager, Loy Joon How, said the card was the second loyalty programme after the launch of Society Privilege Card that has 9,000 active members.
Phranang Inn destroyed by fire
February 2, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
A fire gutted Phranang Inn Hotel, a popular resort hotel on Ao Nang Beach, last night, causing at least Bt3 million in damage. There were no casualties.
The fire broke out at 0630, earlier today, at the resort located at Moo 2, Ao Nang sub district, Muang district, Krabi province. Five fire trucks rushed to the scene and had the blaze under control within 90 minutes.
The two-storey hotel had just 50 rooms at a location about 10 metres set back from Ao Nang Beach.
US court goes after Juthamas
January 21, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
The US government will seek to extradite ex-Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Juthamas Siriwan, and her daughter, Jittisopa Siriwan, to face charges unsealed in a Los Angeles court, yesterday.
Sasithara sidelined to inactive post
January 20, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
The Thai Cabinet announced the transfer of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports permanent secretary, Sasithara Pichaichannarong, yesterday, to the post of senior advisor to the Prime Minister. The decision was based on a proposal from the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
Over the moon about 2009 visits
January 19, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports is over the moon about official estimates that point to the country attracting 14.09 million tourists in 2009.
However, the private sector says data collection needs a revision and the ministry might be overstating the value of tourism in revenue terms.
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumpol Silapa-archa, is understandably chuffed over the 2009 recovery in tourist arrivals claiming 14.09 million visits now bodes well for his ambitious targets in 2010.
Storm in a Skal teacup
Cheers & Biz, a new international networking club, based on Samui, held its first social gathering, 10 January, for approximately 75 members.
The group will meet twice a month to facilitate networking between executives in managerial positions. It is not limited to travel, but the majority of its members moved over from the Skal Club that became inactive, earlier this month.
Aisawan Resort renamed a Pullman
January 13, 2010 by Duangrudee Somboonruangsri
Filed under News, Thailand
After an extensive renovation and upgrade, the Aisawan Resort and Spa was rebranded Pullman Pattaya Aisawan, 12 January.
Located on Wong Amart Beach, in North Pattaya, Pullman Pattaya Aisawan is the third hotel under the Pullman brand in Thailand, which includes Pullman Bangkok King Power and Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid, formerly a Sofitel.
TAT revisits directions
January 5, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
TAT governor plans to revise TAT directions by first focusing on digital marketing in 2010.
During a media briefing yesterday, TAT governor, Suraphon Svetasreni, said he would revise the TAT State Enterprise Plan 2012-2015 to enable the authority to be more nimble and flexible in planning. The current TAT State Enterprise Plan was drafted in 2007 and essentially directs TAT policies and plans through to 2011.
New governor readies for recovery
January 5, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
Thailand’s tourism industry will reap recovery this year according to TAT governor, Suraphon Svetasreni, who outlined his marketing objectives at a media briefing yesterday.
“We expect the market will recover this year so we must adapt our strategy to be prepared.”
His first objective is to work with “healthy” markets that can be tapped through local media, joint activities with airlines and travel agents. Markets that he claims are healthy include Asean, South Asia, France, UK, Netherlands, Iran, Kuwait and Jordan.
Suraphon Svetasreni
Thailand will close year with a loss
December 29, 2009 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News, Thailand
Thailand’s tourist arrivals, for the first 11 months, dropped 7.30% when compared with the same period in 2008; a year that was blighted by airport closures and violent political protests.
At best it will close this year with a 4% decline and around 14 million visitors down from 14.58 million in 2008.
Despite the negative outlook for 2009, the Office of Tourism and Sports’ preliminary report for November arrivals shows an increase of 24.91%, up from 1,076,156 to 1,344,269 arrivals. This is viewed as a positive indicator that Thailand’s tourism industry is at the start of a recovery curve.
