The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mumbai has set its targets at 11 lakh tourists (1.1 million) for Indian arrivals by this year end. Soraya Homchuen, Director, TAT Mumbai, said, “Arrivals from India had already crossed 8,00,000 by the end of August 2016 and we are positive that India will achieve its arrivals target of 1.1 million by the end of the year. Indians have become tremendously savvy with checking on the on-ground situation in Thailand rather than falling for the odd sensationalist report that might crop up.” The Ministry of Culture is also giving free access to national museums and historical parks until 31 January, 2017 despite the mourning period. Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with the public and private tourism sectors and TAT, is offering tourists as well as locals free bus service covering four routes from the National Stadium, Victory Monument, Wongwian Yai BTS Station, and the Bangkok Bus Terminal in Talingchan, to Sanam Luang. There were over 500 buses taking part in the initiative which will be open until 13 November, 2016.
Read More »Bangkok’s Grand Palace reopens for tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced that Bangkok’s Grand Palace is reopening its doors to tourists and visitors from November 1, 2016. Thailand is officially on a mourning period from October 14, 2016 to November 14, 2016, in remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. However, it has announced that it will be business as usual and the mourning period will have no impact on travel plans of visitors. Nevertheless, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recommended travel agents and visitors to Thailand to check their bookings as well as monitor the local media and government announcements for updates before travelling. Soraya Homchuen, Director, TAT Mumbai said, “There will be some restrictions to tourist movements near the Grand Palace which is the official residence of the King as the Thai people will be gathering there to offer condolences to the king. The Ministry of Tourism & Sports (MoTS) along with the TAT has assured that most cultural, traditional and MICE events will still go on as per schedule with some minor adjustments. MoTS has ensured that all events and festivals, including sports tournaments and cultural traditions will go ahead as scheduled though tourists will have to maintain a sense of respect and appropriateness. Indians have become tremendously savvy with checking on the on-ground situation in Thailand rather than falling for the odd sensationalist report that might crop up. We look forward to celebrating 1.1 million arrivals by the end of the year.” For tourists, the Grand Palace is open every day from 08.30 to 15.30 hrs. Tourists and visitors are advised to enter and exit at the Wiset Chaisri Gate only.
Read More »Indian arrivals into Thailand surpass 800,000
Arrivals from India into Thailand have reached over 800,000 by the end of August 2016 while from January to October 22, 2016, the kingdom welcomed 26.4 million tourists in total. An income of 1.31 trillion baht ($37.4 billion) was generated, up 11.82 per cent and 15.59 per cent, respectively. Judging by the growth, TAT Mumbai is positive that India will achieve its arrivals target of 1.1 million by the end of the year. “We remain positive. Indians have become tremendously savvy with checking on the on-ground situation in Thailand rather than falling for the odd sensationalist report that might crop up. We look forward to celebrating 1.1 million arrivals by the end of the year,” says Soraya Homchuen, Director, TAT Mumbai. While officially in mourning, the kingdom’s the Department of Fine Arts, under the Ministry of Culture is giving free access to national museums and historical parks to encourage visitors and locals to learn more about the culture and monarchy. This scheme will continue from now until January 31, 2017.
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