Hotel options emerge
annual tourist arrivals to Thailand nudge 24 million, a range of new accommodation options are coming online in city centres and provincial hubs. The 224-room Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa opened its doors in October last year complete with a kids club, round the clock room service, three swimming pools, a sports bar and in-house spa. Citadines Grand Central Sri Racha in Pattaya also welcomed its first guests in January. With 135 studios and one to two bedroom fully serviced apartments, rooms cater for short and long term stays, with free wireless internet also included. Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit is another long time favourite among Australian travellers, situated on Bangkok’s main shopping and entertainment artery, Sukhumvit Road. The hotel has 370 rooms and suites, with executive rooms and suites able to access the excellent executive lounge. There is free wifi in all rooms and public areas. A whopping 30 properties opened their doors in 2014 including Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa, Ibis Krabi on the southern tip of Thailand’s Andaman coastline and the 4.5 star Holiday Inn Pattaya.
How can travel agents get up to speed on their Thailand product knowledge?
Agents can access useful information on the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) website, the Hug Thailand Facebook page, and brochures on various destinations in Thailand which can be obtained from TAT Sydney.
www.tourismthailand.org.au www.facebook.com/hugthailand www.thailand.net.au/training
Where is the best place to start for Thailand novices?
A great way to learn more about the destination is to study a map of Thailand and identify the top destinations of each region. Start with well known destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi and figure out where each destination is geographically. Then move on to researching the key activities and festivals at each destination.
Any recommendations for destinations that cover all bases for travellers?
Phuket, Trang and Krabi and other neighbouring provinces in southern Thailand offer almost everything in Thailand that one can ask for. In these provinces your clients can dive under pristine water one day and go rock climbing or visit a temple the next. After a long day of exploring, travellers can also enjoy great seafood or local cuisine.
What kind of training is available for Australian agents wanting to sell Thailand, and how can they sign up?
TAT Sydney will be launching a new look agent online training platform later this month. Keep your eyes on the travel news website, TAT e-newsletter and your inbox for further information on how to sign up and the rewards available.
And finally, how can agents join famils to Thailand?
The Thailand agent mega famil is coming up in September 2015. Agents will be selected upon the completion of online agent training. More information will be released when the famil itinerary has been finalised.