Thailand

Thai officials are striving to create a thriving sustainable tourism industry which would not be a burden on natural resources and the environment, a lesson Sri Lanka cannot afford to ignore as it begins to revive and expand its tourism industry after a decades-long conflict.

Tourism Authority Governor of Thailand (TAT) Suraphon Svetasreni emphasised the need to be more conscious about the environment more than ever before.

“We are in an age of responsible tourism, which demands creative and sustainable solutions to ensure tourism is sustainable over the long term and precious resources are carefully and effectively conserved,” he said.

“To drive this message home and demonstrate our genuine commitment to nurturing Green and Sustainable Tourism, we have adopted ‘Caring for Earth’ as the theme for this year’s Thailand Tourism Mart 2011,” he added.

He was addressing the media and travel agents at the Thailand Tourism Mart 2011 ‘Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub Region’ organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held at the Impact Exhibition Centre, one of the largest convention centres in South East Asia where over 1,000 buyers and media personnel were hosted.

“If we do not protect our natural resources it would deal a big blow to tourism in the long term, and hence, it is the prime duty of all stakeholders, which include our travel partners, tour operators, local communities, hoteliers and tourists themselves, to be environmentally conscious,” Svetasreni said.

With a rapidly increasing number of tourist arrivals to Thailand there is a greater possibility that more and more resources would be used up. In 2010, Thailand recorded 15.9 million tourist arrivals and the number is expected to reach 16 million this year, the governor said.

“As in many developed and developing economies, we also feel the pressure from socially and environmentally responsible consumers, as well as from international visitors and travellers, to address environmental issues and adopt green corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies,” he said.

Thai government agencies have become more involved and private industries are more active in conserving the environment.

The Thailand Board of Investment provides maximum incentives, including tax relief, stream-lined customs procedures and licensing, to green companies that invest in the country, while in the past decade, Bangkok’s environment has improved significantly with the use of natural gas-powered public transport, replacing diesel-run buses and the advent of electrically operated sky trains and planting a large number of trees for a greener city, while practicing the three R system ( reduce, reuse and recycle) adopted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority. (By Harischandra Gunaratna in Bangkok)

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Sri Lanka, Mexico and Kenya boast best value in 2010 Post Office® Long Haul Report

• Sri Lanka best value destination and best destination in Asia
• Thailand drops from top to fifth place after turbulent year
• Tough time for South Africa: prices up by a third while sales slump

Thailand has lost its long-standing best value rating to Sri Lanka in Post Office Travel Money’s new Long Haul Holiday Report for 2010. On top of a turbulent year for Thai tourism, the Far East favourite slid to fifth place in the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer after prices rose 18 per cent. Instead, the report found that UK tourists looking to save money should head to Sri Lanka or runners-up Mexico and Kenya.

The strengthening of the Thai baht – now worth 12.7 per cent more than last September – was to blame for the higher costs in Phuket, rather than resort price hikes. Local prices rose by just three per cent, according to the Post Office research.

Sri Lanka emerges as clear winner in the barometer. At £47.54 for a ‘basket’ of 10 tourist items including meals and drinks, prices were nine per cent lower than in Thailand and over two-thirds less than in Australia, most expensive of 22 destinations surveyed. UK visits to Sri Lanka are already on a high – up 51 per cent year on year in July – and a combination of low-cost packages and resort prices should boost visitor numbers in the coming months.

Runners-up Mexico and Kenya, which both eclipsed last year’s top three – Thailand, Malaysia and Bali – in the barometer, have reasons to be cheerful too. Post Office sales of the Mexican peso are already up five per cent compared with last year and the direct British Airways service to Cancun launching this autumn makes a rise in winter sun bookings likely as Mexico becomes more easily accessible from the UK.

Two years on, Kenya has recovered from the tourism slump caused by election riots. The Kenya Tourism Board has announced a seven per cent jump in UK visitors4 and the Post Office said that an 11 percent rise in sales has made the Kenyan shilling its 2010’s third fastest growing currency. Kenya is also the only long haul destination where sterling is worth more (+0.7 per cent) than a year ago and the Post Office barometer suggests that resorts are cost-cutting as prices are down seven per cent.

Malaysia (4th) and Indonesia (6th) complete a top six significantly cheaper than other long haul destinations surveyed (less than half the cost of the seven most expensive countries). They were also cheaper than the main European winter sun competitors6.

Sterling’s slide against the South African rand and restaurant price hikes means that tourists visiting Cape Town, previously rated a Post Office best buy, can expect to pay a third more this year. As a result the country dropped from sixth to eighth in the barometer. Rand sales also dropped 26 per cent over the summer, suggesting that the World Cup has not yet stimulated the expected upturn in holiday bookings.

In a surprise result, Dubai, a new addition to the Post Office report and with a reputation as a high-priced destination, has beaten competitor Egypt to emerge as a cheaper option for UK travellers looking for a mid-haul holiday. At £81.59 for the 10 tourist items, Dubai was 6.7 per cent cheaper than Egypt, traditionally thought of as good value for money but where prices have risen 37 per cent over the past year.

Across the Atlantic, prices have risen 34 per cent in Miami, mostly because of the increased cost of eating out, and are also up, by a more modest eight per cent, in Jamaica, cheapest of three Caribbean islands surveyed.

Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: “Price as always remains the big issue and it is good news to see so many long haul destinations with low resort costs. It means that UK tourists planning winter sun trips will be spoilt for choice.

“The information we have collected shows that Sri Lanka and Mexico offer excellent value for money and, despite having a troubled year, tourists should not write Thailand off. The Thai baht may have strengthened against sterling but tourist prices remain low and there are likely to be great deals to the country as hoteliers and airlines look to continue to attract international visitors.

“However, in these uncertain times UK holidaymakers should plan trips carefully and ensure they are fully protected. A package taken with a well-established and ATOL protected tour operator, together with comprehensive travel insurance is probably the safest bet. People should also avoid wasting cash through last minute airport currency purchases and can cut costs abroad by using a credit card like the Post Office card that offers 0 per cent commission on purchases overseas.”

Over 1,600 Post Office bureau de change branches offer a wide range of long haul currencies on demand but as there are restrictions on importing Sri Lankan rupees, the Post Office recommends that UK tourists carry sterling Travellers Cheques. All other currencies in the long haul barometer can be pre-ordered for collection or home delivery at all 12,000 Post Office branches and online at postoffice.co.uk.

The Post Office also offers a range of travel insurance policies available at postoffice.co.uk.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Medical Tourism Blog Contest kicks off with cash and prizes worth nearly US$20,000 up for grabs, including a seven-day all-inclusive medical tour of Thailand for 12 finalists.

The competition is easy and fun, with the aim to promote medical tourism in the Kingdom by awarding winning contestants trips to the Land of Smiles and other prizes.

Twelve finalists chosen from the entries will win an experience of a lifetime: an all-inclusive seven-day Medical Tourism Familiarization Trip in Thailand, which will take place from November 20-26, 2010. Some of them will travel to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Ko Samui, while others will explore Bangkok. The TAT will arrange additional sightseeing tours for finalists so they can experience the attractions of Thailand as a medical tourism hub.

During the competition period from November 20, 2010 to January 31, 2011, each finalist will use blog posts, photos, videos and other social media tools to share their daily experiences with the medical services available in Thailand with a global audience. The goal is to inform readers about what is available and to persuade them to learn more about Thailand’s top medical tourism destinations.

In order to win, finalists must write the best blog post and attract the highest number of unique visitors. The blogger who attracts the most unique visitors to their URL will win the top prize of $13,000 ($10,000 in cash plus luxurious hotel vouchers worth $3,000 at Sri Panwa, Phuket and Westin Grande, Bangkok), and the finalist who the judging committee decides has created the best blog will receive prizes worth $5,000 ($3,000 in cash plus luxurious hotel vouchers worth $2,000 at Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort, Chiang Mai and Absolute Chandara Resort and Spa, Phuket).

The competition is open to anyone who has experience writing blogs related to tourism or medical tourism in English language or containing English language. To enter, visit: www.MedBlogContest.com

This is a great opportunity to discover firsthand why Thailand has become one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.

Submissions are welcome until October 31, 2010.

For media enquiries, please go to the *Contact Us* page and select the subject Press Media Enquiry.  A team member will contact you shortly after your submission is received.**”

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £35.16
Location: Krabi, Thailand

Phang Nga Bay is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in southern Thailand, Krabi is located some 497 miles from Bangkok. To the West it’s bound on the Andaman Sea where countless natural attractions abound, including white, sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small Islands verdant forest and highly interesting archaeological remains.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
• Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• Lunch included
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Conducted in English

This tour takes you to Phang Nga province. Travelling by road the journey takes around 1 1/2 hours before joining boats to go out into the bay. This area is very famous for its natural scenery such as the lime stone cliffs. There is also known as ‘James Bond’ island. This needle like island was used in the film ‘Man with the golden gun’.

The local environment may seem uninhabitable, but you’ll be quite surprised how life can flourish in this area when we visit a local village of sea gypsies.

Return to Krabi in the late afternoon.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Krabi hotels
Departure Time: 9:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 5:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 130+ HOTEL DEALS IN KRABI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £47.41
Location: Krabi, Thailand
4star based on 3 reviews

Krabi is fast becoming a destination for international tourists as a more relaxing alternative to Phuket. Spectacular scenery surrounds the area, both inland and offshore, with many of Thailand’s finest beaches nearby. Two of the most beautiful and well known islands in the Andaman Sea are the islands of Ko Phi Phi, or simply known as Phi Phi. Travelling by speedboat you’ll be able to experience more of these islands for yourself!

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
• Travel by speedboat and see the sights from the water
• Lunch included
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Conducted in English

This tour offers a full day out to visit Phi Phi, which many regards as the two most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea. Your 1-hour speedboat transfer to Phi Phi will ensure you spend less time on the water between Krabi and Phi Phi and more time on the island swimming, snorkelling or relaxing – perfect for those who have limited time and would prefer to spend more time exploring the area. Please note that the speedboat will be travelling at faster speeds than the ferry transfer to Phi Phi and one should expect a bumpy ride as the vessel travels across the waves at high speed.

You will visit Phi Phi Lai, the smaller of the two islands, and to Maya Bay, which was one of the locations used when making the film ‘The Beach’. Then it’s off to the bigger island of Phi Phi Don with its magnificent twin crescent beaches. There will be plenty of free time for sunbathing and swimming so remember to pack your towel and swimming costumes!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Krabi hotels
Departure Time: 8:30am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 4:30pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

This is definitely the way to visit Ko Phi Phi and the Andaman Sea on a day trip from Krabi. The speed boat is safe, comfortable and a good way to sightsee. The snorkelling and swimming are excellent. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Jeff L, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 130+ HOTEL DEALS IN KRABI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £7.90
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand

Ensure your trip to Thailand is free of hassle by booking your Chiang Rai shared airport transfer now. Travel from Chiang Rai International Airport to your hotel in Chiang Rai or a hotel in the Golden Triangle area. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take out the hassle of getting a taxi on arrival when you pre-book your transfers and arrive in air conditioned comfort on this shared transfer. Private vehicle transfers are also available here.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• One-way shared transfer from airport to hotel in air-conditioned vehicle
• Meet and greet services by English speaking representative
• 1 piece standard size luggage + 1 piece hand carry per person
• Conducted in English

When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Chiang Rai accommodation details. Your Chiang Rai airport to hotel transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver upon your arrival at Chiang Rai airport.

At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:

* Arrival Flight Number
* Arrival Time
* Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off)
* Hotel Address

Schedule

Departure Point: After you have collected your luggage, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall at Chiang Rai Airport by the tour operator who will be holding a sign reading out your name

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 38 HOTEL DEALS IN CHIANG RAI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £6.96
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
4star based on 4 reviews

Ensure your trip to Thailand is free of hassle by booking your Chiang Mai shared airport transfer now. Travel from Chiang Mai Airport to your Chiang Mai City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take out the hassle of getting a taxi on arrival when you pre-book your transfers and arrive in air conditioned comfort on this shared transfer. Private vehicle transfers are also available here.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• One-way shared transfer from airport to hotel in air-conditioned vehicle
• Meet and greet services by English speaking representative
• 1 piece standard size luggage + 1 piece hand carry per person
• Conducted in English

When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Chiang Mai accommodation details. Your Chiang Mai airport to hotel transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver upon your arrival at Chiang Mai airport.

At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:

* Arrival Flight Number
* Arrival Time
* Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off)
* Hotel Address

Schedule

Departure Point: After you have collected your luggage, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall at Chiang Mai Airport by the tour operator who will be holding a sign reading out your name

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

No hassle way of Getting to accommodation after arriving in a strange airport.

Reviewed by: Brenton D, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 180 HOTEL DEALS IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £11.97
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
3.5star based on 106 reviews

Ensure your trip to Thailand is free of hassle by booking your Bangkok shared airport transfer now. Travel from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to your hotel in the city of Bangkok. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take out the hassle of getting a taxi on arrival when you pre-book your transfers and arrive in air conditioned comfort on this shared transfer. Private vehicle transfers are also available here.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• One-way shared transfer from airport to hotel in air-conditioned vehicle
• Meet and greet services by English speaking representative
• 1 piece standard size luggage + 1 piece hand carry per person
• Conducted in English

When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Bangkok accommodation details. Your Bangkok airport to hotel transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver in Bangkok.

At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:

* Arrival Flight Number
* Arrival Time
* Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off)
* Hotel Address

Schedule

Departure Point: After you have collected your luggage, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall at Suvarnabhumi International Bangkok Airport by the tour operator who will be holding a sign reading out your name

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Good service both to and from the airport. We hadn’t booked a return, and they rang the next day to see if we wanted to. Easy and efficient.

Reviewed by: Anonymous, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 490 HOTEL DEALS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £8.40
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
3.5star based on 2 reviews

Pre-book your shared airport to hotel transfer on arrival from Koh Samui Airport to your Koh Samui Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take out the hassle of getting a taxi on arrival when you pre-book your transfers and arrive in air conditioned comfort on this shared transfer. Private vehicle transfers are also available here.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel
• Meet and greet services by English speaking representative
• 1 piece standard size luggage + 1 piece hand carry per person
• Conducted in English

When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.

At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:

* Departure Flight Number
* Departure Time
* Hotel Address

Don’t forget to book your Airport to Hotel transfer!

Schedule

Departure Point: Airport Arrivals Hall

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Vehicle and driver waiting on arrival. Taken straight to the Resort Hotel. Good.

Reviewed by: Simon C, United Kingdom

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 200+ HOTEL DEALS IN KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £49.96
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand

This Koh Samui Island tours is a must! As the name suggests you will tour the island and see a number of the highlights and attractions Koh Samui offers as well as the many beaches which can be seen. The ‘Big Buddha’ – sitting 15 meters tall is a monumental landmark on the islands north coast, Grandpa and Grandma Rocks, Namuang Waterfall and Nathon town are just a sample of the places you will visit.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
• Great overview and orientation of the city
• All entrance fees included
• Lunch included at Peak Eye Restaurant
• 1-hour Spa treatment
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Conducted in English

Add an extra touch to your around the island tour with lunch at the ‘Peak Eye’ restaurant and a visit to the Magic Gardens where figures of celestial beings decorate the beautiful grounds. Later, take time to pamper yourself with a steam bath, Jacuzzi soak and a choice of 1 hour Swedish or Thai massage.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Koh Samui hotels
Departure Time: 9:00am – Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 4:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 220 HOTEL DEALS IN KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £47.80
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
3star based on 2 reviews

When you first fly into Koh Samui you will have seen the clusters of islands, one of these areas is called the Ang Thong National Marine Park. One of the best ways to explore this area is by “Sea Canoe” giving you a far more rewarding experience than looking from afar. Your hand picked local guides will offer a wealth of information.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Breakfast included
• Lunch included
• Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• Snorkelling gear included
• Admission fee to National Park
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Conducted in English

Board a fully equipped 23 metre 3 level Escort boat. A light breakfast is served as we depart Koh Samui. Arrive Ang Thong National Marine Park and commence the first kayak trip travelling along the coastline of Koh Mae Koh. Along this course you will cruise beneath huge rock over hangings and experience some of the most beautiful beach in Thailand.

Arrive at the beach of Talay Nai or the Green Lagoon. Ascending the carefully constructed stairs and wooden walkways, passing through dense rainforest and deep ravines, at the top you will witness one of the greatest sights in the Park.

Once an enormous cavern, but now after its’ ceiling collapsed, Talay Nai is a saltwater lake within the Island and a haven to a wide variety of marine life. Boarding the Escort boat again enjoying your lunch as we cruise through the magnificent scenery of the northern region of the Park. Making our way to Koh Wao or Tai Plao, and area where most other tours will not visit, but are the most spectacular and exciting for kayaking and snorkelling. Here you will kayak amongst bizarre rock formations and venture into hidden lagoons and caves.

After you will explore the underwater sights snorkelling, and it is recommended that you keep your eyes open for families of dolphins or the occasional sea turtle in these waters. Also experience the once in a lifetime thrill of Kayaking alongside the awesome and majestic Whale Shark. Depart the Park and head back to Koh Samui to your hotel.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from your Koh Samui hotel
Departure Time: 8:00am – Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 5:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Very professional and good trip, full of fun. The stairs up to the Green Lagoon were a tad steep for me, so not recommended for those with limited fitness.

Reviewed by: Andrea B, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 220+ HOTEL DEALS IN KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £42.35
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand

Enjoy the many beautiful unspoiled beaches of Koh Samui on this full-day cruise and snorkelling tour. You will experience the beauty of your natural surroundings both above and below the surface and have the opportunity to indulge yourself in an authentic Thai lunch.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• Lunch and soft drinks included
• Snorkelling gear included
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Conducted in English

You’ll be picked up form your Koh Samui hotel and board a cruise from Big Buddha beach. Pass through the many sights including Tong Sai, Cheong Mon, Chaweng Beach, Chaweng Noi, Tong Takian, Lamai Beach, Grand Father and Grand Mother rock before arriving onto Green Peace Island to snorkel and swim.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Koh Tan followed by time at leisure, the choice is yours, sunbathing, relaxing, sightseeing and/or snorkelling.

Continue to Swallows Nest Island before your return journey home.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from Koh Samui hotels
Departure Time: 9:00am
Return Details: Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 4:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FORM 200+ HOTEL DEALS IN KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

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