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Austrian Airlines’ agent outing 2004 is fun for all

British ambassador presides over “Fascinating English” exhibition opening ceremony

Thailand’s arrival figures up, so are advisories

Eva Air agents take familiarization trip to USA

More European carriers exit the Philippines

Austrian Airlines’ agent outing 2004 is fun for all

Austrian Airlines recently held an agent outing to Kao Yai for travel agents in Thailand. The purpose of the outing was for staff of Austrian Airlines to meet and get to know staff members from travel agencies. During the outing, agents had the opportunity to visit Choak Chai Farm, enjoy sports activities and win numerous prizes. Shown here are some of the lucky winners.


British ambassador presides over “Fascinating English” exhibition opening ceremony

Guest of honor H.E. David Fall (3rd right) cut the ribbon to mark the opening ceremony. Looking on from left are Pierre Andre Pelletier, general manager of Amari Watergate Hotel, Nichaya Chaivisuth, director of public relations at Amari Watergate Hotel, Khunying Songsuda Yodmani, Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Madam Fall, Tomgsuk Sawatnatee, Artist, and Apinan Pavanarit

British Ambassador H.E. David Fall presided over the opening ceremony for an art exhibition titled, “Fascinating England” by Tongsuk Sawatnatee at the exhibition area, 3rd floor, Amari Watergate Hotel. The exhibition will be on display until April 30.


Thailand’s arrival figures up, so are advisories

Tourist arrivals at Bangkok International Airport for the first week of April showed a 93 percent increase over the same period last year and, more significantly, a 9.2 percent increase over the first seven days of the same month in 2002.

Public sector leaders are taking the figures as an indicator that their target of 12 million visitors this year can be achieved, but private sector operators are worried that adverse travel advisories could seriously damage the country’s prospects.

Thailand’s minister of Tourism, Sonthaya Khunpluem, freely acknowledges that comparisons with 2003 are irrelevant because SARS had set in by April, but he said the comparison between April 2004 and April 2002 was significant.

“The latest figures indicate that despite earlier fears, demand for Thailand is holding up well,” he told TTG Asia, adding that the new figures had boosted his optimism that Thailand would reach its target of 12 million overseas arrivals by the end of this year.

“This month the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) is putting on road shows in Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Bahrain and Kuwait. New initiatives in Japan, Korea and the UK will also help to boost demand,” the minister added.

Spokesmen for leading inbound operators from Japan, Germany and UK were upbeat but their optimism was tempered by fears that travel advisories posted on government websites worldwide could damage bookings.

The governments of Germany, UK, Australia, USA, Japan and some Scandinavian countries posted adverse warnings last week following the theft of a large quantity of explosives in southern Thailand which the Thai authorities feared might be used against tourist targets.

The warnings generally advised tourists from travelling to southern Thailand, including Phuket, but also warned of danger in Bangkok and Pattaya. Warnings on the German government’s website were particularly strong and mentioned not only the southern provinces of Yala, Patthani, Narithawat and Phuket, but also Pattaya.

Asian Trails’ managing director, Luzi Matzig, reacted angrily saying it was unfair for European governments to highlight dangers in Thailand unless they also highlighted dangers in countries such as Spain. “Foreign governments must not over-react. Their warnings are totally out of proportion. They must be fair or they lose their credibility,” he said. (TTG Asia)


Eva Air agents take familiarization trip to USA

Eva Airways Corporation, Taiwan’s leading independent airline, cooperated with Green Siam Air Services Co., Ltd., its general sales agent in Thailand, and last month organized the “EVA Air Agent Fam Trip to USA”. The “stated purpose” of the trip was to let EVA Air’s supporting agents experience the reliable delivery and quality service of EVA Air to America.


More European carriers exit the Philippines

Swiss Air Lines and Air France have become the latest European carriers to pull out of Manila, following British Airways, Alitalia and KLM.

Air France will now fly to Bangkok instead, while KLM has diverted its flights to Kuala Lumpur.

The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) chairman, Robert Lim Joseph, blamed the pullouts on stiff competition and a drop in visitor numbers.

The Philippines has increased the flight entitlements of Middle East and Asian carriers to Manila and this has been cited as a major reason for the withdrawal of European carriers because of price dumping by some players.

Joseph said, “We have tourism officers in Europe, but how can our attaches promote the country now that we don’t have direct flights to the biggest tourist market in the world? It would be very difficult and it would mean fewer tourists from Europe and European traffic going to our neighbors in Asia where there are direct flights.” (TTG Asia)