Thailand’s Ambassador to Israel (seated, 2nd left) hosts a dinner for the
team from Pattaya, Chonburi, TAT and businesses from Thailand.
Rungratree Thongsai
Continuing their drive for Middle Eastern tourists,
Pattaya officials took their Thailand road show to Turkey and Israel for two
major travel fairs.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome led the delegation of Chonburi
Province bureaucrats, Tourism Authority of Thailand staffers and 11 local
businesspeople Feb. 6-14 to the Mediterranean Tourism Market in Israel and
East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition in Turkey.
Thai officials called the show a success, with many
Middle Eastern travel agents seeking out information on Pattaya. Tourism
executives talked with more than 500 local agents, with the city’s top
attractions being the weather and its ocean-related activities.
An average of a little over 35,000 Turks visited Thailand
every year since 2008. Their main destinations were Phuket and Pattaya, with
sun, shopping and cultural attractions being the top draws. Thai officials
said the nation of nearly 77 million generally sees Thailand as a safe and
stable place for a holiday, despite two years of political unrest.
Turkish Airlines flies non-stop to Bangkok and Turks can
take advantage of the 30-day visa exemption policy to enjoy an extended
stay.
As for Israel, visitors to Thailand increased less than 3
percent from 2008, with 110,884 visits recorded. However, TAT statistics
showed a spike in visits during the early months of 2010 and officials are
hoping now that political tensions have subsided, more Israelis will visit
during the coming low season.
Like Turkey, Israel is covered by 30-day visa exemption rules and
national carrier El Al flies six times a week to Bangkok.
The team
from Pattaya City Hall, Chonburi and TAT at the Pattaya booth in Turkey,
promoting Pattaya and Chonburi.
Tourists
and agents visited the Pattaya businesses booth in Israel.
Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome visits different Thai booths to share ideas about
attracting Turkish tourists to Thailand.
The
mayor exchanges ideas with international agents in Israel.
Officials from Pattaya City Hall, Chonburi PAO and TAT are on standby to
give information to the agents.
Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome says hi to the EMITT Mascot in Turkey.
