Bangkok, 23 April, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with Thai Airways International, organised the “Il Viaggio del Teatro” in Italy to promote Thailand as a tourist destination along with TAT’s new marketing communication concept, Amazing Thailand’s ‘Open to the New Shades’ and to mark the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Italy.
The “Il Viaggio del Teatro” is one of the four series, underlined under the “Taste of Thailand” activities. The event was held at the Alpha Teatro in Turin and at the Pallazzo Santa Chiara Teatro in Rome, Italy on 17 and 19 April, respectively.
Two days later, the “Thai Fight” and “Taste of Thailand Festival” too place on 21-22 April at the Atlantico Live Stadium. The Festival was open to the public and featured a Thai cooking competition, Muay Thai boxing and umbrella painting demonstrations.
Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, noted the long-standing relations between the two countries, dating back to the 1897 visit to Venice by King Rama V the Great and the influence of Italian architects in many of Bangkok’s tourism landmarks; such as, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Bangkok’s main railway terminal building, Hua Lamphong.
“Thailand and Italy share a lot in common. Both countries are famous as tourist destinations. The character of the Thai and Italian people are friendly, love to have fun and enjoy our daily lives. Also, our cuisines are well-known for the uniqueness and deliciousness,” Mr. Tanes said.
Italy is one the top ten biggest visitor generating markets in Europe for Thailand. In 2017, Thailand welcomed around 246,000 visitors, generating more than 447 million Euro (17 billion Baht) in foreign exchange for the Thai tourism industry. During January-February, the number of Italian travellers to Thailand was up by nearly 10 percent, along with a 13 percent increase in revenue.
Mr. Tanes said that the TAT’s new marketing campaign will focus on Thailand’s diversity. “The diversity we are talking about does not refer to just plenty of attractions. We are going deeper into new angles of perceptions, which will become a memorable and valuable experience for our visitors.”
He said that in 2018, TAT will step up cooperation with Italian tourism partners to promote Thailand with “3 NEWS”, as follows:
– New image is building up Thailand’s image as a diverse and quality destination, which delivers tourists the values for their experience under the campaign ‘Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades’.
– New segmentation areas are approaching to new target segments; such as, honeymooners and couples.
– New products are focusing on expanding awareness and joint promotions to sell more on new destinations including Sukhothai, Lampang, Rayong, Trat, Phang-nga, Krabi and Ranong by using the main destinations as hubs. Tourism products in these destinations will be highlighted with the local communities, gastronomy, and wellness experience.
Mr. Tanes also encouraged the Italian travel trade to participate in strength at the upcoming 4th UNWTO Conference on Gastronomy Tourism to be held in Bangkok in 30 May-1 June, 2018, and the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+) 2018 to be held for the first time at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in the famous beach resort of Pattaya between 13-15 June, 2018.
Finally, citing the Italian passion for cars and car-racing, he also invited strong Italian participation in Thailand’s first MotoGP, officially named the PTT Thailand Grand Prix 2018, to be held between 5-7 October, 2018, at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram.
