Mumbai, 04 June 2014: A record 15,000 establishments in seven of Thailand’s most important tourism cities are participating in the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014”, which will be held between 15 June and 15 August, 2014, making it the biggest ever.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a special website to promote the grand annual shopping event, which will be held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Samui. Participants include department stores, shopping centres, accommodation, spa and beauty, golf courses, entertainment centres and restaurants.
The website ( www.thailandshoppingparadise.com ) of this year’s Grand Sale includes a Shopping Tips feature to help visitors get better deals, understand the VAT refund process and avoid buying sub-standard products. A special section has also been created to promote the locally-made OTOP products, income from which goes a long way towards boosting rural income and supporting local artisans.
As in previous years, the Grand Sale is designed to boost tourism and visitor expenditure, further building the image of Thailand as a major shopping destination, and contributing to job creation and distribution of income nationwide.
TAT Governor, Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “This year’s Grand Sale has a special meaning because it will be an important part of our tourism recovery strategy for 2014. This campaign will help provoke an income to tourism sectors and entrepreneurs in the participating areas and we hope visitors will take full advantage of the great discounts.”
There are two activities during “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014”:
- Up to 80% discounts at department stores, shopping centres, shops, spas, hotels and other Grand Sale participants.
- Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Shopping Challenge; On June 18, 2014, well known celebrities in various fields from Asian countries will have a shopping competition in participating complexes and centres. A total of 15 teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar,Taiwan, China, Japan and Korea are competing this year. The winner team will receive a cash prize of 100, 000 Baht.
This year’s Grand Sale has also been enhanced by two lucky-draw prizes of Travel 365 days in Thailand for two couples (one from abroad, one local) to enjoy a trip within Thailand. Visitors will get a coupon rom participating partners, which upon expenditure of every 500 Baht by cash or any credit card at any one place. However, if they pay by VISA card, they will get two coupons. The coupons can be dropped into the lucky draw drop box. The winning couples will get free Thai Airways’ return air-tickets and accommodation at Centara’s hotels & resorts. As for the prize, the winning couples can take their trip any time within 365 days.
Sethaphan Buddhani, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai Office said, “Among Thailand’s inbound markets, Indians top the list of big shoppers. Shopping sprees are a priority on any Indian itinerary to Thailand. Moreover, Indians tend to respond well to the concept of shopping festivals and I foresee a good response to the Thailand Grand Sale 2014. The unbelievable bargains and the chance to win is certain to prompt travelllers to plan a visit between 15 June and 15 August 2014.”
TAT estimates that tourist spending on shopping via credit cards alone will grow by 20% over last year.
In 2013, Thailand attracted 26.5 million international visitors, a good growth of 27.03% over the 2012. India’s contribution was over 1 million travellers at 1,049,856 travellers, a growth of nearly 4% over 2012.
For further information