McDonald’s joins TAT to launch “Tourist Postcards for Charity”

McDonald’s restaurants in Thailand has joined the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the campaign “Tourist Postcards for Charity” to support domestic tourism and raise fund for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Thailand which helps under privileged ill children and their families. Customers can help improve the well-being of underprivileged children and families at all McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. Donate 300 baht to receive a set of 10 postcards and McDonald’s gift vouchers worth 200 baht or donate 20 baht for a postcard from now until December 31, 2012.

Top 20 International Tourist Arrivals for Thailand

The latest tourism figures have been released for Thailand and they are showing a 8.66% increase for January-August 2012 compared to the same period last year. In the first eight months of the year, Thailand has seen 14,344,333 international arrivals. So, who is sending the most tourists? Well, so far this year, we have seen a 35.38% increase in visitors from China. The numbers at the moment stand at 1,685,896 compared to 1,245,305 for the same period last year. Trying to catch them up are the Russians who have seen a 19.96% increase this year to 780,337 visitors. Two other countries with big rises include India (8.35% increase to 681,089) and Australia (15.31% increase to 621,122). Visitors from Malaysia have seen a -5.81% decrease though still formidable at 1,602,141. Other significant decreases include Taiwan (-26.25% down to 259,786), Sweden (-5% down to 231,365), Nepal (-5.72% down to 17,090) and Pakistan (-5.22% down to 48,345).

Top 20 International Arrivals to Thailand January to August 2012:

1. China – 1,685,896 (+35.38%)
2. Malaysia - 1,602,141 (-5.81%)
3. Japan - 872,101 (+9.86%)
4. South Korea - 756,736 (+4.61%)
5. India - 681,089 (+8.35%)
6. Laos - 652,749 (+4.81)
7. Australia - 621,122 (+15.31%)
8. UK - 567,870 (-0.32%)
9. Singapore - 525,235 (+18.34%)
10. USA – 500,385 (+9.68%)
11. Vietnam - 443,322 (+22.16%)
12. Germany – 432,171 (+6.39%)
13. France – 392,502 (+10.02%)
14. Hong Kong - 304,325 (-3.43%)
15. Indonesia – 282,012 (-9.20%)
16. Taiwan – 259,786 (-26.25%)
17. Cambodia – 249,794 (+51.17%)
18. Sweden – 231,365 (-5%)
19. The Philippines – 191,998 (+1.11%)
20. Canada – 145,897 (+10.41%)

61 Thai Tourism Products Score High Marks in Best in Travel 2012 Poll

Thai tourism destinations, airlines, airports, hotels and spa resorts scored high marks in the Best in Travel 2012 Poll announced by the popular website Smart Travel Asia 2012. Altogether, a total of 61 Thai tourism industry products were listed in the poll rankings, some in the top ten and others in the top 25. The list was led by Phuket, which was ranked the second-best holiday destination in Asia. Bangkok ranked 4th best city for business and fifth in the top ten holiday destinations in Asia. Ko Samui ranked the 10th best holiday destination in Asia. Thai Airways International, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Samui Airport also fared well.

An analysis of the poll results also indicated that the award-winning products were located nationwide, including Hua Hin and Chiang Rai. TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni commented, “We are proud to see so many of our destinations and products scoring highly in these rankings. It clearly shows that the determined effort made by our entire industry to upgrade quality is paying off and getting global recognition.”

Here is a listing of all the Thai destinations and products that won awards:

Thailand Wins Golfers’ Choice Award 2012

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Hong Kong Office recently received the Golfers’ Choice Award 2012 on behalf of Thailand from Hong Kong-based Golf Vacations Magazine. The award reflects the preference of golfers in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China, who have scored Thailand as their favorite destination for golf.

Cha-am annual tourism festival starts in September

The popular tourist town of Cha-am are inviting everyone to visit Cha-am’s annual tourism festival, that is guaranteed to bring travelers a unique experience, from 8-16 September, 2012 in Phetchaburi province.

Travelers visiting the festival will be encouraged to embark on squid fishing and bird watching trips and please their taste buds with a variety of fresh seafood menu choices. The festival titled “Kin-Hoi-Doo-Nok-Tok-Muek” is a collaboration between the Council of Cha-am, the TAT Petchaburi Office and Singha Corporation Co., Ltd. According to Director of TAT Phetchaburi Office Mrs. Nongnit Tengmaneewan, the festival will coincide with the growing number of squids in the sea and the arrival of the migratory birds which, she said, is the perfect opportunity to invite holidaymakers to visit Cha-am.

There will be an array of seafood vendors from reputable hotels and restaurants, as well as live musical shows throughout the night for 9 days. For those who would like to try their luck on squid fishing, the boat will leave the shore from 7 p.m. to midnight daily for 100 baht per person. As for amateur bird watchers, bird watching trips to Ta-kad-plee swamp and Nang Panthurat National Park will be provided throughout the day from 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. A bird expert will also accompany visitors free of charge during the trip to answer any questions regarding the animals.

For more information please call the TAT Phetchaburi Office at 0 3247 1005-6 or the Cha-am Council at 0 3247 2550 or 0 3247 1665.