International travel distributor, GTA, has launched a new campaign that promotes Thailand to Asia’s fully independent travel (FIT) agents.
Given the millions of travel bookings GTA takes every year, the initiative could help the popular destination recover more quickly from the political unrest at the start of the year which resulted in travel alerts from around 45 countries.
Launched around the country’s New Year Songkran celebrations, Thailand Smiles Again is aimed at travellers from Asian countries – China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan – which are key source markets for Thailand. GTA has called on its longstanding relationship with IHG to offer a ‘Stay 3 Pay 1’ deal, saving 66% at five properties in Bangkok, one in Chiang Mai and one in Pattaya. A new G-Shop loyalty promotion will reward travel agents too: every booking made with GTA at Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ properties in Thailand earns points which can be redeemed for shopping vouchers.
GTA’s offices around Asia are also working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to bring travel agents on familiarisation trips to the destination so they can see for themselves that the country has returned to normal and get a true picture of all they can experience and enjoy.
Powering global travel, GTA’s network generates tens of thousands of bookings every day. Selling 12 million room nights every year, high street and online travel agents and tour operators rely on the company to source competitive rates for the accommodation, services, excursions and experiences that their customers – the travelling public – most want to enjoy. The sheer numbers of travel selling clients who work with GTA make the company a vital channel for trade relations and marketing campaigns.
GTA is also partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Sabaai Sabaai promotion for Japanese travellers. The theme reflects the Thai way of life and the destination’s ‘easy going’ approach to welcoming visitors and to ensuring they enjoy their stay.
