Dubai , UAE - December 27, 2010: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that despite a year of various challenges Thailand has remained a favourite holiday and business destination for many residents in the Middle East, going from strength to strength with an overall increase in visitor numbers from the region expected to reach as high as 20% compared to those received in 2009. Additionally, in order to ensure the popularity of Thailand continues well into 2011, a consumer competition as well as a unique competition for travel agents will be launched at the beginning of the New Year providing entrants an opportunity to learn more about the destination and win bi-monthly prizes of complimentary holiday packages to the "Land of Smiles" starting January 2011 through to August 2011.
Tourist numbers from the Middle East to Thailand continue their upward trend, with the latest available statistics showing a 67% increase in September 2010 compared to September 2009. While the final quarter statistics are yet to be confirmed, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is extremely confident that an overall tally of visitors from the region in 2010 will surpass 20% when compared to the 371,368 visitors received in 2009. For the first nine months of 2010, the total number of visitors from the Middle East stands at 392,294 and has already surpassed the 2009 yearly total.
Says the Tourism Authority of Thailand Director for Middle East, Mr. Pramoth Supyen; "2010 proved to be a challenging year for all destinations due to various global and international events and Thailand was no exception. However, I am pleased to announce that due to the combined efforts of our travel trade partners and the continuing popularity of Thailand among residents of this region who appreciate the value and quality of experiences Thailand has to offer, that Thailand continues to grow strongly as a favored destination of choice, and this is something that we are very pleased about. Given the circumstances a projected increase of 20% in 2010 is an outstanding result."
To further increase the number of visitors from the region to Thailand in 2011 the Tourism Authority of Thailand will commence its 2011 expanded promotional calendar from the outset with the launch of both a consumer competition and a unique competition for travel agents, which is considered to be an industry first for the Middle East. The consumer competition titled; "Amazing Thailand Travel - Short Story Contest" will be launched on January 1st, 2011 and invite entrants to write a short story based on a representative image of Thailand. The competition will be opened to all residents of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Iran, and can be written in Arabic or English. The competition will be held four times throughout 2011, with each winner receiving a 5 Day / 4 Nights holiday package to Thailand.
In order to encourage the continuous education and research of Thailand as a holiday destination by the region's travel agents and provide them with the tools to better advise client's seeking a unique Thailand holiday experience, a "Best Itinerary Contest" will also be launched from January 1st, 2011, which will invite travel agent graduates from the Amazing Thailand Academy to submit their "ideal" Thailand itinerary based on a given theme. The competition will be held 4 times throughout 2011 based on four distinct desginated themes which will be announced at the launched of each competition round. Additionally, itineraries will be judged on their ability to incorporate and consider such criteria as; the inclusion of new attractions, authenticity, travelling time and efficiency, relaxation, budget and the "7 Wonders of Thailand" that include; Thainess, Treasures, Beaches, Nature, Trends, Wellness and Festivities. The winning travel agent for best itinerary for each theme will be provided the opportunity to live their dream itinerary with a compliementary holiday package for 2 adults to Thailand, along with the winner's name, picture, agency logo and itinerary posted on the Tourism Authority of Thailand's dedicated Middle East website. All travel agents from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Iran will be eligible to enter the competition.
Full details and conditions of the both the "Amazing Thailand Travel - Short Story Contest" and "Best Itinerary Contest" can be be found at: <> or contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Middle East office directly at:
Tourism Authority of Thailand,
Dubai & Middle East Office
133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Apartment # 1804,
Dusit Thani Dubai,
P.O. Box 450019, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 324 0184 Fax: +971 4 325 0187
Email: tatdubai@tat.or.th
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