H.E. KOBKARN WATTANAVRANGKULMinister of Tourism and Sports

Executive Networking Lunch OTDYKH – Leisure 2015

Good morning and sawasdee kha, Distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen.On behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai tourism industry, it is my honour to welcome you this morning. It is a great pleasure for me to be here for the first time at the OTDYKH-Leisure.

Diplomatic Relationship between Thailand and Russia

The diplomatic relationship between Thailand and Russia has been enhanced, with the official visits of high ranking leaders from both countries. The Thai people also appreciate the message of sympathy conveyed by President Vladimir Putin to His Majesty the King following the August 17 incident in Bangkok.

Significance of Russian Market

We recognise the significance of the Russian Market to Thailand’s tourism industry. We also realise the current economic impact on international travel, which has affected all of us.

We would like to emphasise that Thailand will continue to be your good friend, especially during this time. We are continuing our promotions and programmes as normal. As such, we are here at the OTDYKH-Leisure 2015 to enhance the cooperation and partnership with you all in order to lead us out of the current situation.

The OTDYKH International Russian TravelMarket-Leisure(OTDYKH-Leisure)

At the OTDYKH-Leisure this year, we have 16 senior Thai exhibitors, travel and tourism operators participating. The Thai Pavilion this year bears our “2015 Discover Thainess” marketing theme.

Muay Thai

In addition, we have some interesting activities to raise our brand image and profile. Yesterday (17 September 2015), we organised the Thailand Fan Club Meeting with Thai Fight Show at the Ray Just Arena, which I am pleased to report, was very well attended.

January-July 2015Visitor Arrivals

17.5 million

Revenue 23 billion USD

Thailand Tourism Situation

2014

2015

+31%

The preliminary figure from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports shows that between January-July 2015 the number of visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 17.5 million, up 31 percent over the same period of 2014 and generating an estimated 23 billion USD in tourism revenue.

Thailand Tourism Situation

20 millionth visitor on 26 August 2015

We also welcomed the 20 millionth visitor on 26 August 2015, just 10 days after our 19 millionth visitor on 16 August 2015.

Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor

Thailand has just welcomed the lucky 21 millionth visitor, Mr. Mcgahern Joshua James from Perth, Australia on 16th September 2015. This shows that confidence in Thailand as a travel destination remains higher than ever as the high tourist season approaches..

the 21 millionth guest

Projecting

28.8 million international visitors

Generating 38 billion USD

Thailand Tourism Situation

By the end of this year, TAT is projecting 28.8 million international visitors generating an estimated 38 billion USD.

Russia Market Situation

20131.74 M

20141.6 M

2006187,658

Russia is the largest source market from Europe. In 2006, Russian visitor arrivals totalled187,658. By 2013, this number had surged to 1.74 million Russian visitors. In 2014, Russian visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled approximately 1.6 million . It is one of six countries that contributes more than one million annual arrivals, and one of only two countries that generates more female visitors than males.

Russia Market Situation

In 2014

Average length of stay 15.5 days

140 USD per person per day

Total 3.46 billion USD

Russian visitors stayed an average of 15.5 days and spent an average of around 140 USD per person per day. This contributed a total of 3.46 billion USD in tourism foreign exchange revenue to the Thai economy in 2014.

Russia Market Situation

January – July 2015 Russian visitor arrivals

506,071

2015

Projecting900,000 – 1,000,000 visitors

During January to July 2015, Russian visitors to Thailand numbered a little over 506,000. This year, we are projecting between 900,000 to 1,000,000 visitors.

“The Maze” smartphone application

Some of our marketing and promotional campaigns include: The launch of Russian version of “The Maze” smartphone application. The application allows the user to find Thai destinations that fit their travel style.

Tourism Road Show

We will hold tourism road shows and marketing workshops in major Russian, Kazakhstan and Ukrainian cities.

2015 Discover Thainess Campaign

TAT has planned its tourism marketing and communications campaign under the theme of “2015 Discover Thainess.”

2015 Discover Thainess Campaign

This campaign is designed to emphasise the priceless treasures of Thailand

2015 Discover Thainess Campaign

which give Thainess its charm, makes us unique as a people, society and culture, and gives us our competitive advantage.

2015 Discover Thainess Campaign

The marketing messages highlight the concept of Creative Tourism under