TAT ties up with local start-ups to woo Nordic tourists

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn and director of the TAT office in Stockholm Eurblarp Sriphiromya are piloting the project four countries, namely Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The aim is to launch tourism in new sectors such as gastronomy, wellness and spa, as well sports to name a few in secondary cities and communities with sustainable development in mind. The first phase will begin in October. 
Yuthasak said Thailand is a popular destination among Nordic tourists, because even though the population in the four countries is only 26.5 million, more than 700,000 people visit the Kingdom each year, bringing with them more than Bt64 billion in foreign exchange. 
“It’s really a high proportion of the market compared to other European countries with big populations, like Germany with 83 million people or the United Kingdom with 65 million, of whom only 800,000 to 900,000 visit Thailand,” he said. 
Most travellers from Nordic countries are also repeat travellers and know the country well. On average, they stay in Thailand for up to 17 days, spending around Bt87,000 per trip, which is much more than people from other European countries. Since most Nordic tourists like exploring new places, this project will offer them a great experience and create more loyalty to the Amazing Thailand brand. The more we offer, the more opportunities we will receive, Yuthasak said. 
The TAT governor added that this project does not just aim to boost tourism but also to offer new services that respond to the Nordic travellers’ needs and lifestyles by allowing them to explore other regions in Thailand, especially secondary cities and communities where the start-ups can help serve the travellers as well as provide facilities required in the area. 
“It will be a good opportunity for Thai start-ups to promote their products and services directly to the end consumer and expand their business to the Nordic market in the long run,” Yuthasak said