Published on May 9, 2013
BANGKOK, May 7, 2013 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has initiated another key marketing strategy targeting young travellers and visitors seeking a more indepth educational experience from their visit to Thailand.
Addressing a press conference, Mrs. Vilaiwan Twichasri, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said the apps and website will help young travellers “Find, Learn, and Discover Great Stories and Cool Places” in an initial set of four locations covering three distinct learning themes: History, Ecotourism, and Geology.
The four locations are:
1. Ayutthaya province: The Dawn of the Ayutthaya Kingdom
2. Chanthaburi province: Watch the Brahminy Kites in Flight Amidst the Mangrove Forest
3. Khon Kaen province: A Journey through Time. Discover the Lost world of Phu Wian
4. Kalasin province: Visit Kalasin, An Excursion into the Prehistoric World of Thailand
The four locations were chosen because they are good for study trips and contain information of educational value. Details of the four sites, including photos, audio clips, video, map, accommodation, restaurants and gas stations will be included in an online database.
Visitors can search through the website www.edutourthailand.com, and download the applications on smart phones and tablets. A print version or brochure can be scanned via a QR code.
More locations will be added progressively.
In 2011, Thailand saw 2.42 million visitors aged under 25 and 5.42 million visitors aged 25-34. Both age groups were up 44.7% and 23.3% over 2010, respectively making them the fastest growing amongst all the demographic segments.
Mrs. Vilaiwan said, “Thailand is witnessing strong growth in arrivals amongst young people. All over the world, youth and new generation tourists prefer to use different media formats to learn more about Thai tourist attractions for both planning purposes or to advance their educational knowledge. The “Edu Tour” project will help make it easier to find information, more fun to learn and easier to travel. The project fits in with both our Digital Marketing Strategy as well as our efforts to attract young travellers.”
The press conference was also addressed by Prof. Dr. Kasem Jankaew, Scholar of Environmental Science and former Director General of the Forestry Department, Dr. Warawut Suteethorn, Director, Office of the Fossil and Geological Museum, Department of Mineral Resources and Mr. Saran Boonprasert, Expert on history and a freelance writer.
Top 10 Sources of Young Visitors to Thailand in 2011
Malaysia
China
Russia
India
Korea
Lao PDR
United Kingdom
Australia
Singapore
Japan
Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports
To access the website, please visit http://www.edutourthailand.com
To download apps:
For iPhone and iPod Touch: bit.ly/edutouriphone
For iPad: bit.ly/edutouripad
For Android: bit.ly/edutourandroid
Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4544-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org
