Bangkok, 21 December, 2017 – The number of Americans visiting Thailand annually hit the 1-million mark today, setting a new record for Thailand’s No 1 source market from the Americas Region, where the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) operates two offices in New York and Los Angeles, USA.
Mr. Nathaniel Alexander Way, Thailand’s 1 millionth American tourist for 2017, is a pharmaceutical scientist from Santa Babara, California. He arrived in Bangkok this late morning on EVA Air’s Flight BR67 from Taipei, Taiwan. He travelled here on a 10-day honeymoon, with an itinerary focussing on nature and Thai local experiences in Bangkok, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi (Ao Nang) and Surat Thani (Khao Sok).
Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “This latest Thai tourism news is beyond reporting statistical numbers, but is a reflection of TAT’s commitment and ongoing tireless effort to lift the ‘Amazing Thailand’ brand awareness in the USA market.
“The USA has been among Thailand’s most important markets since the Kingdom began its tourism promotion. The welcoming of the 1 millionth American tourist for 2017, the first time ever for Thailand, marks a step forward for the Thai tourism industry in expanding the Americas market and in addition, the offering of endless Thai local experiences.”
The TAT New York and Los Angeles Offices have been proactive in enhancing the awareness of Thailand as a ‘preferred destination’ for the Americans, especially honeymooners and luxury travellers. Among the activities have included the sponsorships for the filming of TV series, reality programmes and food shows in Thailand, including The Bachelor in 2013 and The Bachelorette in 2011. Another highlighted effort is a partnership with Virtuoso promoting the Kingdom as a honeymoon destination.
For 2018, TAT will continue its effort to spotlight Thailand as a honeymoon and luxury travel destination for American travellers, promoting luxury products, culture, beaches, Thai cuisine, soft adventures, local experience tours, Muay Thai lessons, and health and wellness trips, under the TAT’s latest ‘Open to the New Shades’ communication concept.
As well as existing popular destinations of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui, new destinations to be promoted to American travellers are Sukhothai in the North; Ko Chang and Ko Kut in the East; Ko Lanta, Ko Yao Yai and Yao Noi, Ko Phangan, Chumphon and Ranong in the South, and ASEAN Connectivity trips linking the Northeast or Isan with Lao PDR. with Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Nong Khai as the border gateways.
TAT is hosting the 2018 USTOA Out of Country Meeting in Thailand from 18 to 27 March, in Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. In addition, it is stepping up cooperation with the strategic airline partner – EVA Air – to introduce several tourism offers to the Americas market.
