Thailand seeking luxury tourism boost

Announced at the "g meet 2016" summit hold at the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok yesterday, a historic Travel Partners Pledge was made between GTA, Tourism Authority of Thailand and a host of global tourism leaders from Thailand’s biggest source markets in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. 

Travel and technology senior leaders from AccorHotels, AIS, Caissa Touristic, Compass Hospitality, Derbysoft, Far East Hospitality, Flight Centre, JTB, MakeMyTrip, Metglobal, Minor Hotel Group, Onyx Hospitality Group, SiteMinder, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Thai Airways, Tuniu and Tourism Authority of Thailand gathered at GTA’s g meet 2016 summit to discuss "the future outlook of travel" and "the future of travel intermediaries". 

Thailand’s star has risen dramatically in recent years with the destination drawing a total of 29.9 million international visitors in 2015, an increase of over 20% compared to 2014, according to data provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand. With the destination keen to increase yields and the average length of stay, its move to promote the luxury market is also in line with trends that show Thailand as an attractive proposition to upscale travellers indicated by the 17% increase in the Average Daily Rate (ADR) in the luxury accommodation segment, according to C9 Hotelworks, a Thailand-based tourism consultancy.

Ivan Walter, CEO, GTA said: "Thailand is one of the world’s most desired and dynamic tourism destinations. It is therefore fitting that we are here today to announce such an important partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and be surrounded by many of the world’s influential travel suppliers, travel agents, technology partners and hotels. 
"We believe that through our partnership, we will be able to encourage more upscale travellers to visit Thailand to appreciate indigenous travel experiences - lavish accommodation and personalized unique on-the-ground excursions. But most importantly, we want people to enjoy pleasant interactions with Thai culture, its environment and its greatest asset - its Thai people." 

Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa said that she was humbled by the strong encouragement of the industry - led by GTA - to support Thailand develop its tourism business in the important luxury segment. 

"We are delighted to be working with GTA to promote Thailand as a luxury travel destination. We thank them for leading the key industry players here to Bangkok so they can witness the many luxury experiences our country has to offer and recognize the distinctive opportunities first hand. We are sure this strategic partnership with GTA, one of the world’s most influential provider of travel content and experiences, will be a great success." 

Celebrating 41 years in business in 2016, GTA is part of the Kuoni Group. 

Core to GTA’s success as a leading travel company for the fully independent travel (FIT) industry is its longevity in the industry, good financial stability, coupled with its global presence, and the expertise of its people. GTA has long-connected travel sellers to hotel partners to offer unrivalled content at the best possible prices through its highly reliable technology. The world’s travel trade books nearly 14 million room nights a year through GTA, relying on its ability to take care of their customers from the time they book through to the time arrive at their holiday destination and beyond... 

THE NATION February 24, 2016 8:38 am