The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) and Department of Export Promotion (DEP) are jointly organizing a Thailand Road Show to Tokyo, Japan, to restore visitor and investor confidence in Thailand and promote investment and tourism.

The Prime Minister, H.E. Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Thai delegation together with the Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Mr Kobsak Sabhavasu, the Minister of Commerce, H.E. Mrs Pornthiva Nakasai, Minister of Industry, H.E. Mr Chanchai Chairungruang, Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr Chumpol Silapa-Archa and related private sector representatives will visit Tokyo, Japan, during 5 – 7 February 2009.

The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Japan Tourism Agency will also be participating in the event as the representatives of the Japanese government. Delegates from Japanese associations and institutions; such as, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), Association of National Travel Agents (ANTA), Japan Thai Business Forum (Tourism Committee), and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will also be present. Many airlines, travel agencies, and media will also be taking part.

Other than promoting international trade, investment and tourism, the Thailand Road Show planned will also strengthen the relationship between both countries. Japan generates over 17 billion U.S. dollars in export sales and is one of Thailand’s top export markets. This comprises 11.3 per cent of Thailand’s total export revenue. In 2007, visitor arrivals from Japan totalled 1,248,700, stayed an average of 7.54 days and spent an average of 4,518.86 Baht (or US$ 130.91) per person per day in 2007. This contributed a total of 425 billion Baht (US$12.3 billion) in tourism revenue and foreign exchange earnings to the Thai economy. In 2007, Japan was the largest source of business travellers to Thailand. Japan is now Thailand’s second largest source market after Malaysia. Between January-July 2008, Thailand attracted 734,388 Japanese visitors, up 3.43 per cent over the same period in 2007.

TAT, BOI and DEP fully supports this initiative to stimulate foreign investment and promote increased travel to Thailand. The upcoming Thailand Road Show to Japan will provide investors and tourists with full assurance that Thailand is a safe and attractive destination. The Thai delegation will strive to build confidence in Thai products paving the way for a potential increase in trade and investment opportunities, which in turn will further boost the Thai economy. The Thailand Economic Team Road Show on Trade, Investment and Tourism will likewise promote a better understanding and inspire confidence among foreign investors and travellers so they make Thailand their first choice destination for trade, investment and tourism.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org