‘We are trying to promote Thailand as a wedding andluxury destination for those big spenders from India’

In an exclusive interview, Soraya Homchuen, director, TAT Mumbai Office, elaborates on TAT’s way forward in 2015

How does TAT plan to beat the recession? What new niche products are you planning especially for the ASEAN region?

For the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific region, we plan to promote the high-end market which has been less impacted by the recession and the products like medical tourism and luxury will be emphasised. For the niche products, we would like to promote products that meet the needs and wants of the ASEAN region tourists ranging from manmade attractions (aquariums, water theme parks, zoos) and Thai food to shopping activities.

What was the main objective behind CTM 2014? Are you planning such travel marts for other provinces as well?

The main objective of CTM 2014 was to bring international buyers to meet Thai sellers for business matching, strengthen relationships among tourism industry associates, as well as showcase our products in Chiang Mai and nearby provinces. For this kind of travel mart, at the moment we have organised the event annually but the venue is switched between Chiang Mai and Phuket.

What is the strategy for the India market?

The India market is one of the largest markets in terms of volume, so we implement various strategies to tap the wide range of tourists, however, the upper market segment is what we want to focus on. We are trying to promote Thailand as a wedding and luxury destination for those big spenders from India. Not only will we be perceived as a quality destination but we will also gain more income into the country.

Are all the provinces well equipped to accommodate big MICE groups?

Not only does Bangkok have venues and services to facilitate MICE groups but also major cities such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Samui are all capable of hosting MICE groups.