Industry Information

Tourism New Zealand Activity
Tourism New Zealand's International Media Programme has seen New Zealand achieve good media coverage in Thailand in the last few months. Thailand's number one outbound travel magazine, "Travel Around the World Magazine", brought readers to New Zealand in September. "Trips" magazine featured a 10 page story about New Zealand and Matariki, the Maori New Year, in their July issue.

Tourism New Zealand recently attended New Zealand Trade & Enterprise's annual New Zealand Education Fair in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in June. A total of 2,700 visitors attended the two events.

Tourism New Zealand has supported a Thai Airways promotions offering one night hotel accommodation in Auckland for every two business class travellers travelling together. This promotion was supported on radio, through press activity and online.

New Zealand’s Competitors
The French Tourism Board has launched a specialist programme for the Thai travel trade to encourage them to sell holidays to France.

Tourism Australia invited 15 Aussie Specialist agents to join the "Premier Aussie Specialist Program", which aims to strengthen the skills of these selected companies in selling Australia.

India’s Tourism Board has been actively advertising destination India in Thailand’s leading travel and lifestyle magazines. Their advertisement promotes their website and contact details from Singapore.

Hong Kong’s Tourism Board continues to introduce new nature and bird-watching tours for free independent travelers following positive feedback from the similar tours in 2007.

Business Tips
Make the effort to learn some simple Thai phrases, particularly greetings. Although English is usually spoken in business circles, Thai is generally used. Thais will appreciate any efforts by a foreigner to learn some of their language.

Thai names consist of a given first name and a family last name. Khun is the Thai nongender term equivalent to Mr, Mrs, Ms, or Miss. When introduced to a Thai, ‘Khun’ is placed before the first name and it is appropriate to refer to the person as ‘Khun (first name)’.

Buddhism is important in Thailand. Religious artefacts in general and Buddha statues in particular are sacred. The head is the most important part of the Buddha statue and should not be touched. Any disrespectful handling of a Buddha statue is considered desecration, which results in severe criminal penalties.

The Royal family are revered and respected. Jokes about royalty are not tolerated.

When sitting, ensure that the soles of your feet are never pointed toward anyone, particularly a monk or Buddha image. The feet are considered the lowliest part of the body.

Smile a lot. Smiling is equated with patience and Thais greatly admire those who are patient.

Thais avoid violence, conflict and confrontation. Losing your composure means losing respect in Thailand. Do not be surprised to encounter situations where an obvious injustice or abuse is tolerated with an outwardly submissive attitude, for the sake of not losing face.

In Thailand, 13% of the population use the internet. (Source: World Internet Stats)

Sources: Tourism New Zealand Regional Rap
Ministry of Tourism www.tourismresearch.govt.nz
NZTE Country Profile http://www.marketnewzealand.com/MNZ/services/14431.aspx
Economist Intelligence Unit e-readiness Rankings 2008