Double-digit growth from SA
STAKING its claim as one of the
top holiday destinations for
South Africans, Thailand has
seen double-digit percentage growth in
arrivals since the start of this year.
Between January and May, the
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
reported 22% growth from the SA
market with almost 33 200 travellers
arriving in the country. TAT has also
cited South Africa as one of its top-five
growth markets.
With more South Africans on repeat
visits, there is greater expectation
for new destinations, activities and
tours. Tour operators specialising in
the destination have anticipated these
demands and are seeding them into
the market.
Karen Camm, product manager – Far
East at Holiday Tours, recommends
three destinations that she says
are fast becoming popular options
for South Africans: Krabi, Khao Lak
and Koh Yao Noi. “Krabi used to be
a popular add-on to Phuket but is
becoming increasingly popular as a
stand-alone destination,” says Karen.
“Its tourist attractions include the
distinctive limestone cliffs that line the
150km coastline, white sandy beaches,
crystal-clear water, extensive coral
reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls,
and over 130 islands.”
Lal Jayamaha, md of Serendipity
Tours, says more South Africans are
spending their holidays on islands
such as Phi Phi and Koh Samui, adding
that the number of visitors to Kao Lak,
Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan are
on the increase too.
Thai Airways’ marketing
representative in South Africa, Tom
Liangman, believes that Hua Hin is a
relatively undiscovered destination for
South Africans. “It is a short distance
from Bangkok – only two hours away
– and there are plenty of attractions,
including night markets selling local
handmade crafts, four- and five-star
beachfront hotels, the King's palace
and heritage sites.”
Torshie Obodai, product assistant
– Far East at Thompsons Holidays,
also sees the potential in Hua Hin as
an upcoming destination, adding that
it’s a perfect romantic destination for
couples and honeymooners.
The unspoilt Khanom Beach in
south-east Thailand tops the list for
Lesley Simpson of the South African
Representative Office for TAT.
Activities here have a more cultural
focus, while local boats take tourists
to catch a glimpse of the famous pink
dolphins off the coastline. Lesley notes
that Khanom can be packaged with
Koh Samui, making it more affordable
for South Africans travelling to this area
of the country.
While there are new spots to
discover, Shona Pittaway, md of
Perfect Destinations, says looking for
undiscovered spots in popular areas
works well for her clients: “In Phuket,
for example, a stay on Rawai Beach
away from the crowds is quieter and
more relaxing and the hotels are of
a good standard. Rawai is a small
fishing village and one can attend the
market and buy the fish from the local
people as it comes in and then get the
restaurant across the road to cook it
for you – a great local experience!”
For travellers seeking more about
the culture and heritage of Thailand,
JJ Carr, product manager at The
Holiday Factory, recommends Chiang
Mai. “Chiang Mai is distinctly different
from the rest of Thailand – even the
food has its own character and is really
quite special. There are also some
great options for outdoor enthusiasts,
including white-water rafting, bamboo
rafting, zip lining and hiking.”
Thailand’s myriad of options ensures
that travel agents can offer new twists
on travellers’ packages and tour
operators agree that there is still plenty
to be discovered.
Suggest these hotels...
These three hotels,
recommended by TAT may not
be new, but they cater well
for the South African market.
Shangri-La Bangkok: A
great incentive option, this
hotel is on the Chao Phraya
River and has views over
the water. After a recent
refurbishment, the hotel
has 800 rooms in two
wings and is near the city’s
shopping and entertainment
district.
The Treasure Resort, Koh
Madsun: Located on the
island of Koh Madsun near
Koh Samui, the island is
an idyllic beach destination
for travellers looking for
isolation. It has 50 villas
scattered across the
beachfront, a fine dining
restaurant and a spa.
Racha Kiri Resort & Spa:
Near Khanom Beach,
this boutique resort has
33 suites set out in a
traditional Thai village style.
It is away from major tourist
tracks but is opposite the
beaches of Koh Samui and
can be reached easily by
boat. The airport, which is
50 minutes away, provides
air access to the island.
Photocap: Adventure park for Hua Hin
The Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is set for an October opening, just ahead of the
peak tourist season in Thailand. It will target families holidaying in Hua Hin, a popular
beach town south of Bangkok known for its golf courses. The water park is set around
waterways and a 30-metre-high waterfall and is ideal for children, while parents will be
catered for in private pavilions. An adventure zone and main stage for concerts will also
form part of the park’s features.
TAT introduces insurance policies
RECOGNISING the
difficulties for insurance
brokers to issue sufficient
travel insurance while the
country is under martial
law, the Tourism Authority of
Thailand has partnered with
three insurance brokers to
introduce travel insurance
for any inbound travel. The
policies aim to increase the
confidence of travellers who
want to visit Thailand says TAT,
facilitating their holiday plans
and minimising disruption.
The companies that offer
immediate coverage are
Muang Thai Insurance, Chao
Phaya Insurance and Siam
City Insurance. Premiums
start from THB 650 (R217)
and the highest sum insured
is THB 1m (R333 240)
with full coverage including
accidents, trip cancellation,
loss or damage of baggage
or personal belongings,
accommodation fees in
the case of an airport
being closed, and 24-hour
emergency assistance by
Allianz Global Assistance.
An online portal to purchase
these insurance policies was
launched on July 15. Once
insurance has been paid for,
coverage is immediate and
a copy of the policy will be
emailed to the traveller.
New package from Holiday Tours
A NEW seven-night package
from Holiday Tours is ideal
for travellers looking for a
beach holiday just a short
flight from Bangkok. The
package includes seven
nights’ accommodation at
the Sea Sun Sand Resort
in Patong, Phuket, at
R10 125pps.
It includes return
economy-class airfare
to Phuket via Bangkok,
including current prepayable
airport taxes and
fuel levies, return airport
transfers and breakfast
daily as well as a full-day
Phi Phi Island tour including
lunch. Valid for booking
until September 15.
Participate in mega-fam trip
TAT is set to host its Best
Friends Forever Mega-Fam trip
between late July and early
August, inviting over 800
tour operators and media
from across the world to
experience different parts of
the country simultaneously.
The trip will see a South
African group visiting Bangkok,
Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin.
“The objective behind the
Best Friends Forever MegaFam
trip 2014 is to highlight
that, regardless of a military
coup in Bangkok in May,
the political situation has
not had any impact
whatsoever on tourism
to this beautiful country.
Creating ongoing awareness
of Thailand at this time is
critical. It is ‘business as
usual’ in the Kingdom of
Smiles,” says Lesley Simpson,
South African Representative
Office for TAT.
