ETW Staff – Mumbai
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Mumbai has set its sight on Ahmedabad and Bengaluru as key target markets for luxury-seekers from western and southern India. In its second edition, TAT Mumbai’s A Luxury Showcase presented travel planners in these markets with key partnerships across accommodation and local attractions. The roadshow took place on October 15, 2014 at the YMCA Ahmedabad and on October 17, 2014 at The Leela Bengaluru. Together the events witnessed over 300 travel agents in attendance.
TAT’s strategy for India has shifted from targeting budget tourists: the new roadmap involves a significant focus on India’s outbound luxury traveller. Soraya Homchuen, director, TAT Mumbai said, “Thailand has the ability to meet and surpass the expectations of India’s HNI segment that will accept nothing but the world’s best. From bespoke luxury services across five-star international and Thai brands, boutique properties, private beach resorts and sky villas, Thailand boasts accommodation to suit every luxury-seeker’s tastes. This segment is typically well-travelled and seeks out authentic local experiences, culture, and heritage and often wants to touch, see and feel something that their peers have not – Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and the country’s vastness and variety leave much of it ripe for exploration.”
Homchuen continued, “Golfers, for instance, are keen on taking a swing on Thailand’s greens. Gourmets want to sample and learn the intricacies of Thai cuisine. Diving enthusiasts want to explore Thailand’s lesser-known dive sites. Nature lovers want to become one with nature at national parks and private islands that are out of reach for crowds and backpackers. We showcased Thailand’s strengths in this segment at our show in both cities. The event geared travel agents in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru to service the needs of a luxury tourist who wants to see a very different Thailand than the budget tourist.”