There is an article in the Bangkok Post today, “Slow travel” pitched to ageing boomers, that just goes to show that the Tourism Authority of Thailand is clueless on marketing to foreign markets.

Supposedly, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new campaign aimed at seniors but I haven’t seen anything on the Amazing Thailand Facebook page.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Water Buffaloes

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is using their Thai mentality and way of thinking and applying it to foreigners and it isn’t going to work.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will introduce new “slow travel” tourism products designed with the twin phenomena of ageing baby boomers and growing environmental awareness in mind.

First off, check out the name – slow travel.  This implies that us 60 years and up folks can’t move fast or that we are mentally challenged.  Not a very intelligent campaign.  My parents are in their 80′s and still drive, travel around the country, go to casinos, shop, play cards, belong to church groups, and are definitely not “slow”.  This the Thai way of thinking – that once you are over 50, you are totally incapable of doing anything on your own.

A TAT study shows this now-ageing group numbers 700 million or 10.1% of the present global population of 6.94 billion.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand did NOT conduct this study.  Most likely they read the info on the Internet since that is what the TAT does best – surf online.  A quick Google search finds that the line comes from a speech given at a PATA conference – ‘Changing Lifestyles – New Opportunities’, Mr Ho Kwon Ping.  And, once again, no “journalist” ever questions the almighty Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Pattamat Wongpattanasiri, the executive director for product promotion, said this group has much time and money on its hands and prefers quality services including health care.

This group is also seeing their pensions disappear with the gloomy markets and crappy global economy.

As well, two-thirds of American and Australian travellers are interested in community-based and green tourism, while up to 90% European tourists choose environmentally conscious hotels and are concerned about sustainable tourism.

This Tourism Authority of Thailand lady has been taught all the key buzz phrases – green tourism, sustainable tourism, eco-friendly hotels – BUT – these do not exist in Thailand despite what TAT professes.  No one does anything to keep their resort green and no one cares about the future – they all only try to make money today.

She said these factors have prompted the TAT to promote green destinations more aggressively _ Koh Samui in the South; Nan province and Mae Hong Son’s Pai district in the North; and Loei’s Chiang Khan district in the Northeast.

I have no idea where the Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting these places.  I sure don’t see any promotions on Facebook.  But, make sure you remember the names of these locations – because if the Tourism Authority of Thailand is actually promoting them, you can expect them to be totally ruined within 3-5 years.

The TAT has published materials aimed at these green-tourism and older groups and sent them to its foreign offices for officials to use in marketing campaigns.

AHA – the Tourism Authority of Thailand is still living in the Dark Ages and is using “published materials” in their foreign offices.  Great use of modern technology.  Must be why PATA gave the Tourism Authority of Thailand an award for social media marketing.

“Thailand has a variety of products and high-quality services, and that enables us to tailor products to specific markets,” said Ms Pattamat.

Variety – yes.  high quality services – Where?  Does the Tourism Authority of Thailand promote Khon Kaen for its excellent mudmee silk?  No.  They only promote shopping in Bangkok.

“Thailand has 240 quality golf courses nationwide, and golfers can play year-round at affordable prices,” said Ms Pattamat.

Have you ever seen the Tourism Authority of Thailand promote golf anywhere other than Pattaya, Phuket, or one of the islands?  Lots of golf courses in Bangkok and we also have them in Isaan.  But, the Tourism Authority of Thailand rarely promotes anything in the northeastern part of Thailand.

Just another worthless campaign that the Tourism Authority of Thailand will claim is a resounding success.

Tags: chiang khan green tourism nan samui seniors slow travel sustainable tourism TAT tourism authority of thailand