Tokyo, 9 February, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched its new marketing concept “Open to the New Shades” in Japan, the one of the largest source market of Thai tourist arrivals. 
Mr. Tanes Petsuwan (above picture, 3rd from right), TAT Deputy Governor for the Marketing Communications, headed the Thai tourism team at the launch event held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. It was attended by several senior executives from Japanese travel companies, media and tourism representatives.
In his speech at the event, Mr. Tanes said that Japan is now a mature source market for Thailand and ready to receive some new marketing messages.
He said, “The “Open to the New Shades” concept is about asking visitors to “open” their minds and hearts to deepen and widen their experiences into a new perception of attractions and variety of experiences in Thailand.
“The communication campaign will introduce brand-new products to visitors, or reveal a new charming character of well-known destinations through creativity. This campaign is aimed at attracting more repeat visitors and also first-time visitors. Visitors can discover new perspectives in existing attractions, or indulge in experiences in new tourist attractions.”
Mr. Tanes outlined the broad variety of tourism products that Japanese visitors will enjoy in the categories of Gastronomy, Nature and Beach, Art and Craft, and Thai Culture and Way of Life.
Japanese guests also enjoyed a live music performance by special guests, Mr. Koh Saxman (above picture, left), a famous Thai saxophonist and Ms. Ami Nakazono (above picture, right), a young talented Japanese saxophonist, of Mr. Krabi of the ‘Open to the New Shades’ theme song.
Mr. Tanes said, “TAT will step up its marketing communications material in line with the objectives to give greater prominence to the unique local experiences of Thailand on the world stage, and music will be one of the strategies that will be used as a marketing tool to connect with people around the world.”
Thailand received 1.54 million Japanese tourists in 2017, generating an estimated 67.5 billion Baht in tourism income. With the Japanese economy showing strong signs of recovering, TAT believes the number of Japanese travelling abroad will soon be rising significantly.
