Krabi Forays Into India Market with Promotions
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Krabi Tourist Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently organized the Amazing New Chapters - Krabi roadshow in Mumbai. The event was graced by the presence of Donnawit Poolsawat, Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate-General, Mumbai and Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for International Marketing - Asia and South Pacific, TAT. Krabi’s tourism industry contributes to US$ 3 billion in the country’s economy.
The roadshow was organized to create awareness about Krabi as a tourism destination to the Indian travel trade fraternity. Krabi Tourist Association exhibited the diverse tourism products of Krabi through a presentation and explained how the destination is ready for Indians to shop, enjoy leisure holidays, indulge in adventure and nature, explore turquoise water, and more. Highlights of the presentation were beaches, mountains, islands, greenery, landscapes, and the top locations in Krabi like the Phi Phi Islands, Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi Don, Ko Lanta and more.
Speaking on the occasion, Poolsawat said that Krabi is already a loved destination by Indian travelers, and they take so much interest to explore the unique locations of the place. He revealed that this is the first time that Krabi is coming up for promotions in the India market. “First, we want people to understand what Krabi is all about and that we have so many things”. He cited a disadvantage of gaining guests to Krabi is that Phuket is near Krabi and is well-known by Indian travelers. “We have smaller facilities, but we have everything that the Indian market looks for,” Poolsawat added.
He further said that Thailand, as a whole unit, has been promoted in India a number of times, but this time the authority is looking to promote Krabi as a single destination with specific attention. Poolsawat said, “Through the roadshow, we are not chasing any numbers, but we are trying to enhance the visibility of Krabi in the India market. We want to create a feeling in the hearts of Indian guests about Krabi”.
When asked about the targeted market segments and planning to tap MICE, events, and wedding segment, Poolsawat mentioned that tapping the MICE segment is still challenging because Krabi has smaller hotels and cities which may lead to a capacity problem to cater to the larger Indian groups.
“We are looking to tap mostly the family, groups, friends, and nature enthusiasts’ segment. We have nice hotels, adventure, and natural beauty to cater to the small groups coming to Krabi”. He said that the authority is currently not looking to target groups having 200 or 500 pax that Indians mostly have during weddings, but they are definitely ready to cater to anniversaries, celebrations, and honeymoons for the Indian guests.
On connectivity, he said that one can take a boat from Phuket or Phi Phi Island or opt for roadways, buses and boats, and indirect flights.
By Kuhelika Roy Choudhury