Long considered as a top destination for LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual plus) tourists in Asia, Thailand has silently been following this niche section of the market but it is only this year that the Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT is openly coming out to aim the pink dollar.
Interest is such that TAT at present is giving to the niche sector that it has led the first LGBT+ Travel Symposium: Thailand in Bangkok, besides presenting LGBT partner at ITB Berlin 2018 earlier this year.
The LGBT+ Travel Symposium: It was a two-day networking and educational event arranged at So Sofitel Bangkok on June 29-30, attracting 55 LGBT+ travel buyers and media across the globe to meet with the Thai travel trade to exchange views on the right practices in sales, marketing and operations to reach the LGBT+ market worldwide.
While delivering speech at the LGBT+ Travel Symposium last Friday, Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT’s deputy governor of Europe, Middle East, Asia and the America’s Marketing Group, said: “We have been watching the LGBT+ segment with great interest in the last decade. Our aim is to see exponential growth in Thailand as a LGBT+ destination, and we hope to be a model for this segment.”
Heartening up comprehensive tourism is a key etho of the TAT, as Thailand is regarded by the LGBT community as a “safe, tolerant and respectful” destination, Srisuda pointed out. “Our mission is to position Thailand as a preferred destination to experience diversity.
“We are proud that LGBT travellers can stay anywhere in Thailand with a complete peace of mind. Our kingdom is open to every possible shade under the rainshow,” she added, a reference to the TAT’s latest Open to the New Shades campaign, which encourages all types of travellers to discover the diversity in experiences in Thailand.
Tags: LGBT tourists, Thailand
