ATF 2018 tours combine neighbouring destinations with Thai local experiences
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018 offers buyers and media a unique opportunity to discover Chiang Mai city with a fresh new perspective by taking advantage of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) pre- and post-event tour options.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said the TAT is pleased to offer a diverse free portfolio of Thai local experiences that focus on that highlight prior to the start of the ATF, then expands the programme to post events into paid excursions that cover all of Thailand’s regional diversity as a travel hub for the region.
“The richness of Thai local experiences moves beyond Chiang Mai after the ATF 2018 closes. Then buyers and media can explore the Andaman coast, experience the richness of Northern Isan near the border with Lao PDR., or traverse Chiang Rai to discover its charm and many cultural attractions.
“Those interested in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia might consider the ‘Southern Tropical Paradise’ post-event tour (Satun – Langkawi – Penang), or emerge oneself in the ‘Ancient of the East’ experience with its unique destination combinations of Chanthaburi, Prachin Buri and Siem Reap in neighbouring Cambodia.”
Full itineraries, rates and dates listed are subject to confirmation; other many terms and conditions also apply. All ATF 2018 pre-event tours taking place around Chiang Mai are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Post-ATF tours are paid for with TAT reserving the right to close bookings on any tour segment if fully booked.
The pre-event tours will all run on the afternoon of 23 January, 2018, and depart from official ATF hotels only. For post-event tour participants, a valid passport with at least six months validity is required. Also, TAT asks that all participants kindly abide by the dress code at religious attractions and Buddhist temples by wearing conservative attire (no shorts or sleeveless shirts).
Fast Facts: pre-and post-ATF 2018 tour options
Pre-tour: six routes consist of two nature trails, one cultural trail, two local experiences and one religious trail. The nature trails are ‘Follow the King’s Footsteps’ at the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon and Hmong farmers’ market and ‘Earth Experience’ at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. and ‘Art of Thai Ways’ at Ban Celadon. Other experiences comprise ‘Home Cooking Experience’, ‘Local Recipe Walking Journey’ and ‘The Middle Way in Buddhism’.
Post-tour: four routes comprise three two-night trips from 27-29 January, 2018, and three three-night options from 27-30 January, 2018. The two-night trips at US$300 are the ‘Embrace the Heart of Andaman Blue Sea’ route (Phuket – Phang Nga – Ranong) and ‘The Horizon Heritage’ tour which links Thailand’s Northeastern provinces of Udon Thani and Nong Khai with Lao PDR’s Vientiane. There are also three-night trips at US$500, which are ‘The Memorable Antique Cultures’ that connects Thailand’s Chiang Rai with Myanmar’s Kengtung and the ‘Ancient of the East’ that combines Thailand’s Eastern province of Chanthaburi and Prachin Buri with Cambodia’s Siem Reap.
ATF 2018 at a Glance
Sellers are well represented with 323 booths for 275 organisations. Thailand has the highest number of participants with 146 booths from 117 organisations/companies inclusive of the Thai pavilion; Singapore has 41 booths with over 20 companies; Malaysia with 40 booths with 24 companies and Indonesia has 31 booths representing 50 companies.
The number of buyers at ATF 2018 are 240, with 25.8% coming from around the ASEAN region; 47.1% coming from the European Union; 16.7% travelling in from the Americas; and the remaining 10.4% hailing from other Asian countries.
source: TAT News
