GlobalSpa
20-Jul-2020
Out of several target groups in India market, the luxury segment is expected to travel shortly after lockdown relaxations. Owing to this possibility, (Tourism Authority of Thailand) TAT brought together the Thai private sector and leading travel companies in India to connect on a single platform at ILVC and discuss the future of travel in Thailand with the nuances of the ‘new normal’.
Who better than travellers know that nights seem the darkest right before the first ray of sunlight that appears at dawn? Taking inspiration from nature as per its tradition and cultures, Thailand is progressing towards a normal life each day through sustained efforts.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) conducted India Luxury Virtual Connect (ILVC), India’s first ever virtual roadshow, which was designed exclusively for leading travel partners across key metro cities in India to touch base with the Thai private sector while maintaining social distance from their respective homes. The first ever India Luxury Virtual Connect (ILVC) conducted on 15th -16th July 2020, witnessed participation from around 28 Thai luxury sellers along with close to 175 travel agents across South West India and North East cities of India.
ILVC followed round-robin setup wherein the buyers and sellers followed a pre-fixed meeting schedule and interacted and shared information relevant to the product. They also got a chance to download brochures, fact sheets and exchange business cards from the virtual resources centre. The daylong event ‘ILVC’ marked as the commencement of a new remarkable era in the travel trade industry through which the world of travel can be connected by only few clicks.
ILVC was conceptualized and executed by BRANDit, the official representative firm of TAT’s Mumbai office, led by Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi. The ILVC interface, developed by Travel Gyaan, is a virtual platform for leading travel partners to experience the roadshow exactly in the same format as the physical roadshow. The objective of ILVC was to introduce brand new products to cater to the luxury segment in India and further to share situation update in Thailand for the Indian buyers to understand the changing landscape of tourism. Basis industry predictions, TAT is presently concentrating its outreach measures on the luxury segment as the Indian elites are expected to make the first travel movements post complete unlocking of restrictions in India.
Addressing the occasion of TAT’s very first virtual roadshow, Ms. Cholada Siddhivarn, Director, TAT Mumbai, said, “We are extremely delighted to have introduced a platform like ILVC to the Indian market and help the Thai private sector and reach out to buyers across the country and discuss the future of travel in the post unlocking period. We are certain that this networking will help us drive arrivals to Thailand as soon as international travel is permitted.”
Mr. Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director, TAT New Delhi, added, “Through it is still not clear when the international tourists from India will be able to travel to Thailand but it is important for us to stay connected with our partners. TAT India Offices would like to connect our Thai hospitality and travel businesses with travel agents in India and use this platform to update the products and services as well as all safety and health measures be taken in order to ensure and boost confidence of tourists.”
Thailand was ranked second best in the world for ongoing COVID-19 recovery owing to which it has led to the resumption of the country’s daily activities, including domestic tourism. The Royal Thai Government has declared the relaxation of public places such as malls, restaurants and attractions with heightened safety measures and health regulations. Additionally, domestic flights are functional and leading hospitality brands are introducing safer precautions for the health and safety of each guest as well as employee. Owing to all of these developments, TAT is certain that soon international borders will be reopened to welcome visitors across the world and tourism will emerge again with the guidelines of ‘new normal’.
As the world continues to witness social distancing and remain in their houses, TAT is certain that gradually the travellers will adapt advanced methods and vacation responsibly and sustainably. And in order to ensure the same, TAT will continue its efforts in bringing the best of experiences and making Thailand the most desired destination among Indians.
