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Update on Bangkok's political situation TAT bullish on tourists returning soon Watchiranont Thongtep, Bangkok (2008-09-15)

THAI tourism is expected to return to normalcy following caretaker prime minister, Mr Somchai Wongsawat, lifting Bangkok's state of emergency yesterday.

At press time, none of the 23 countries which put out travel advisories and warnings on travel to Thailand had removed them. They were issued following Immediate-past premier, Mr Samak Sudaravej declaring Bangkok in a state of emergency on September 2,

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), deputy governor for policy and planning, Mr Surapol Savetserani, said: "I think it is still too early for countries in Europe to be informed of the latest situation. But I strongly believe the travel advisories and warnings will soon be lifted and will soon result in more tourist confidence in Thailand as a tourism destination."

Last week, TAT governor, Ms Phornsiri Manoharn, forecast the political strife would ease up by the end of this week, and the fallout would be around nine billion baht (US$260 million) from the loss of 240,000 visitors.

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Special communications budget Watchiranont Thongtep, Bangkok (2008-09-15)

THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set aside an ad hoc budget of 25 million baht (US$717,500) to be spent immediately on various communication tools and materials to keep global communities constantly updated on the country's political and tourism situations.

Governor, Ms Phornsiri Manoharn, said the TAT board had specially approved the sum, taken from the remaining of this year's marketing promotion budget, to produce real-time videoclips aimed at providing real-time updates to overseas travel agents and tour operators.

Videoclips - featuring testimonials of tourists at various Thai destinations, the demonstration areas, real-time major events being held between this month and next such as the Bangkok International Film Festival (September 22 to 30), Miss France 2008 (October 2 to 8) and an agent and media familiarisation trip (October 8 to 13) - will be posted on the TAT and B2B and B2C accommodation websites.

The videoclips will also be used at TAT roadshows and tradeshows oversees.

Ms Phornsiri said the materials would be effective in helping to increase the level of confidence among overseas travel agents and tour operators and help win back tourists to Thailand.

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India on alert Anand & Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2008-09-15)

NO tourists so far have been affected in the five synchronised bomb blasts that exploded in crowded markets across Delhi on Saturday, killing 22 people and wounding 100 others.

There is a high alert and boosted security at airports, railway stations and commercial centres across the country.

New Airways Travel president Mr Balbir Mayal, said it was is too early to assess the impact on business, as most offices were just opening and there were no cancellations so far.

It might be another two or three days for any impact to be felt, other leading agents said.

India's high season starts in October.

Two of the blasts hit Connaught Place, the city's largest financial and commercial centre. Two more targeted the upmarket shopping district of Greater Kailash. The fifth was aimed at a crowded electronics and automobile components market.

Further four unexploded devices were found and defused, including one at India Gate, one of the country's iconic monuments and a major tourist attraction in the heart of Delhi.

Muslim militant group, Indian Mujahideen, has claimed responsibility.

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Fairmont hoists first India flag Anand & Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2008-09-15)

FAIRMONT Hotels & Resorts has clinched its first hotel management project in India, in Hyderabad.

Fairmont is partnering MMVL Hotels, a subsidiary of the Maheshwari Group, a real estate leader in Hyderabad for the 305-rooms and suites hotel. It is being built at Cyberabad, Hyderabad's growing business district, home to a modern information technology and biotechnology hub, and will be ready by 2010.

Fairmont president, Mr Thomas W Storey, said the development was "an exciting milestone...an incredible journey in hospitality".

Sustainable design will be a hallmark of the hotel The hotel will also have a wide range of meeting space, including a ballroom for up to 800 people. Recreational facilities include a pool and a Willow Stream Spa.

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Twin City package aimed at Middle East Dubai (2008-09-15)

THE Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) yesterday unveiled details of an exclusive travel package - Twin City - designed jointly to boost Middle East traffic during the Muslim holy season.

Recent visitors arrival figures show many Middle East travellers to South-east Asia visit Malaysia and Singapore seeking family-friendly tourism offerings and cultural ties.

The five-day/four night package, which includes air fare and hotel stay in Singapore and either Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi or Penang, starts at 2,490 dirhams (US$678). It is valid until November.

SIA operates three nonstop flights a week to Abu Dhabi and twice daily to Dubai. SIA and sister airline, SilkAir, operate 60 weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur, 26 to Penang and 10 to Langkawi.

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VisitBritain banks on 007 Karen Yue, Singapore (2008-09-15)

VISITBRITAIN is riding on the allure of the world's sexiest spy, James Bond, to offer tourists a taste of the ultimate Bond experience with Bond-inspired itineraries.

Sweepstakes will be held in various countries including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand; and 38 winners will enjoy a three-night luxurious holiday in Britain.

The UK is banking on the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, which will be released worldwide in November, and the 100th anniversary of the birth of writer Ian Fleming, who created the character.

British tour operators, such as Back-roads Touring, will offer itineraries that take travellers down Bond's trail. These include visits to espionage and film sites, the Imperial War Museum - where there is a permanent exhibit on espionage and the anniversary exhibition on Ian Fleming, and martini-indulgence experiences.

VisitBritain chief executive, Mr Tom Wright, said with 40 per cent of potential visitors likely to visit places from films and TV, the partnership would help reach huge numbers of consumers and persuade them to come experience Britain.

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Toguchi joins Carlson Singapore (2008-09-15)

CARLSON Hotels Worldwide-Asia Pacific has named Ms Christine Toguchi its new corporate director of marketing, based in Singapore.

Prior to her appointment, the industry veteran managed marketing, training and consultancy firm MacroVision Network, which she set up.

Joining Ms Toguchi in the regional sales and marketing team are Mr Timothy Tan, director of sales, South-east Asia, previously business development manager at HPL Hotels & Resorts; and Mr Patrick Tong, director of sales for Hong Kong and Taiwan, previously account director, Global Sales for Marriott International. Mr Tong is based in Hong Kong.

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Technical glitch

TTG Daily News apologises that the Friday, September 12 issue was not delivered due to a technical glitch.

Readers can read the issue's archived stories at www.ttgtravelhub.net.

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