Thailand Travel Info: TAT Joins Hotel Website Booking Market

Juthamas: "27 countries that lead the global ranks in online travel booking will be exclusively targeted" The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT launched its new e-marketing campaign which includes phase two of Thailand's biggest online travel portal, www.ThailandHotDeal.com that has cost more than Bt60 million to develop.

TAT Joins Hotel Website Booking Business

The campaign is driven by TAT’s strategic partnership with Born Distinction founded in 2004 by the former CEO of PassionAsia.com, Nuengnimmarn Nanakorn. She is involved in various TAT and government projects requiring website development.

TAT governor

During last night’s launch party, TAT governor, Juthamas Siriwan, said that the campaign targets Bt 200 million in transactions from a potential 20,000 online bookings on ThailandHotDeal.com between now and the end of August 2007.

ThailandHotDeal.com

The first phase of ThailandHotDeal.com created Bt 80 million in transaction revenue for the six Andaman provinces of Thailand in the seven months to April this year. Phase two features "hot" deals from hotels and tour operators throughout Thailand . All of Thailand 's travel industry is now being encouraged to place "hot" travel products on the portal.

TAT intends

TAT intends to buy online advertising and search engine positions on global consumer websites such as Google and Yahoo. Twenty e-mail campaigns derived from internet-based customer relationship management expertise (CRM) will be used. The TAT will also launch a weblog award for consumers in October.

Ms Juthamas

Ms Juthamas who is due to retire 11 September said: "The TAT has always considered the online tourist market as a strategic segment. The TAT is outsourcing its e-marketing campaign in order to meet the needs of that unique market segment. The 27 countries that lead the global ranks in online travel booking will be exclusively targeted.

ThailandHotDeal.com

has been designed to promote a wide variety of general and niche products at 'hot' prices. It is an on-going initiative that will continue to grow. ThailandHotDeal.com will come close to reflecting the full diversity of travel experiences that Thailand has to offer." Ms Juthamas invited the travel industry to submit "hot" deals to ThailandHotDeal.com. She said: "By 'hot deals' I don't mean those that will burn a hole in visitors' pockets, but deals that will burn a favourable impression in their hearts - so that they go home and spread the good word about Thailand to their friends, neighbours and work colleagues." Over 100 hotel properties have already created special prices and packages for ThailandHotDeal.com which, as an online gateway, has been designed to drive bookings to hotels' and tour operators' existing online booking engines.