Media Release 14 March 2005

Thailand Launches Huge Push To Lure Back Nz Tourists

Free flights and huge price reductions for accommodation are all part of a plan to lure New Zealand tourists back to post-Tsunami Thailand, according to one of New Zealand’s largest travel agents.

Flight Centre is joining with Thai Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) offering free airfares from Bangkok to Tsunami affected regions, in an attempt to convince New Zealanders that the region is now ready to welcome back tourists.

Tomorrow the annual Amazing Thailand sale gets underway, but with a difference. In addition to the usual specials, Thai Airways flights linking Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi and Trang are all free for New Zealanders willing to travel to the Southeast Asian nation with specific packages.

As the traditional season for Northern Hemisphere tourists comes to an end, the Thai people are hoping for the usual influx of New Zealand and Australian visitors, bringing with them tourist dollars and therefore jobs.

In areas being promoted by the Tourism Authority the post-Tsunami clean up is largely completed, especially in those areas frequented by tourists. TAT spent more than $NZ4million flying 1000 travel agents and journalists to Phuket this month to demonstrate the success of the clean up efforts.

Flight Centre Asia product manager Liz Johnston, who was part of the expedition to inspect clean up efforts in Phuket, said the conditions on the island are now well up to standard, and in some cases better than before.

“They’ve cleaned up incredibly quickly, the streets are constantly cleaned and most hotels are back to full capacity. Occasionally you pass areas where they are still working, but it looks like there is just some construction happening.”

Ms Johnston said the natural environment was also pristine.

“The beaches are beautiful, both the sand and ocean are so clean. There are even new fish that have never seen before in Thailand being caught by the fishermen.”

Hotel occupancy in Phuket, a favourite with New Zealand tourists, is steadily climbing, but still a fraction last year’s numbers. TAT is hopeful that the resilient nature of Australian and New Zealand visitors will mean they are willing to return to Thailand during the traditional Southern hemisphere season in July, August and September.

The cost of a six-night package holiday to Phuket from Auckland will be reduced to $999, an immediate reduction of almost $500. The cost of a five night holiday in Bangkok is the same price.

ENDS

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