Ellyne Phneah
Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Itching to plan a trip to Thailand in 2018, but not sure what’s exciting beyond the usual haunts in Bangkok and the beaches of Phuket and Krabi?
Thailand will soon be launching a new tourism campaign “Open to the New Shades of Thailand”. This was unveiled by Santi Chudintra, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor for International Marketing, and Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Governor for Marketing Communications, at the recent ITB 2017 held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 25 Oct 2017. Thailand was one of the largest representatives at ITB Asia this year. It led 40 Thai exhibitors to promote Thailand tourism at the three-day conference, representing 60% of exhibitors in the region.
Over the next 12 months, Thailand will spotlight unique local experiences in Thailand, including the country’s gastronomy, nature, beaches, art and crafts, culture and way of life. Some of these “shades” include Thailand’s Songkran Festival, the ten types of Pad Thai and various soups to enjoy. Among Thailand’s 77 provinces, there are at least 24 under the “12 hidden Gems Plus” cluster that has something to offer in terms of culture, heritage and cuisine.
TAT also highlighted some of the unique Thai local experiences that travellers shared on social media. Building on this, TAT plans to invite international inspirers and influencers to visit Thailand.
Inspired by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s vision for a balanced economy, Thailand will also promote sustainable ways of living such as preserving ancient farming practices, traditional medicines, foods and handicrafts.
“Many of these communities welcome tourists, who get to enjoy a unique Thai local experience while playing their own part in sustaining the Kingdom’s culture,” said Santi Chudintra.
It sure seems like the focus next year will be on Thailand’s beloved cuisine, cultural activities and attractions such as authentic Thai villages, rice farms and cooking classes, as well as off-the-beaten-path nature spots which we’ve never heard about.
The Amazing Thailand brand will still remain in place, supported by the narrative “The Million Shades of Thailand”.
Information extracted from press materials from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
