A high-level tourism delegation led by H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports has just returned from Japan after making a series of well-received presentations and appearances at the annual World Tourism Congress and Travel Fair of the Japan Association of Travel Agents.

The delegation included Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of TAT, Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing and 14 private and public sector representatives, comprising 11 hotels and resorts, King Power Co., Ltd, Bangkok Airways, and the Tourist Division of the BMA.

The JATA congress and travel fair, held between 13-16 September, 2007, in Tokyo, comprises a conference devoted to discussing industry issues and marketing presentations, followed by the actual trade show at which buyers and sellers do business.

Over 1,500 participants attended, especially tour operators, MICE event organizers, airline representatives, and hoteliers from all over Japan, as well as sellers from around the world.

In a speech at a special luncheon hosted for the Japanese tourism industry, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Dr. Suvit pointed out that this was a special year for Thai-Japan relations because it marked the 120th anniversary of the establishment of formal relations in the fields of trade, investment and tourism.

He also highlighted the excellent relations between the Thai and Japanese royal households, especially the visit last year by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to commemorate His Majesty the King becoming the world's longest reigning monarch.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, spoke at a panel discussion on “Revitalizing the Japanese Travel Market” by outlining the various efforts being made by the Thai tourism industry to maintain its competitive edge in attracting Japanese visitors.

She highlighted the new focus on chic and trendy products, the emergence of the many superb boutique hotels, as well as the sustainable tourism products being offered under the Royal Discovery Initiative campaign.

The Japanese tourism industry also heard about how the very important socio-economic development principles of His Majesty the King, the “sufficiency economy” concept, is being gradually interwoven into Thai tourism development strategies.

Thailand also had a prominent presence at the JATA Travel Fair between 14 -16 September, 2007, with a 100 sq m booth that featured a number of colourful activities popular among Japanese visitors such as a Thai Spa demonstration, Thai classical dance and nail painting.

In 2006, Japanese visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 1.29 million, up by 9.43% over 2005. Japan is now Thailand’s second largest source market after Malaysia. Japanese visitors to Thailand can obtain visa-free entry at all international airports and stay up to 30 days.

A total of 146 direct schedule flights are being operated weekly by Thai Airways International, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and other airlines.

Although there has been a 6.54% decline in arrivals from Japan in the first half of 2007, this has been largely attributed to the strengthening of the baht as well the tremendous holiday competition from the United States due to the decline in the value of the dollar.

However, the Thai tourism delegates are hopeful of being able to reverse the decline in the second half, particularly in the upcoming high season, following their presence at the JATA World Congress.

Source : http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/detail.aspωid=3493