Chiang Mai introduces host of travel campaigns to draw visitors for high season
The northern chapter of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched its “Northern Charm of the Past” tourism campaign, targeting working people, multi-generation families and active seniors who can explore the North and reminiscence about the charm of authentic Lanna culture.
TAT executive director for the North, Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, said on Tuesday several activities and campaigns have been planned to attract tourists this high season from November to March, as Thais tend to visit Northern provinces to experience the cold weather.
An example of these activities are the “North X Clusive” campaign that showcases craftmanship products of local communities, the “North Experience Festival” that helps you explore ancient temples and pay respect to sacred beings for good luck, the “Riverside Eatery” campaign that features local cuisine and Michelin Guide restaurants, and the “Amazing Northern Road Trip” that offers sightseeing trips for motorists, cyclists or trail joggers.
Suladda Sarutilavan, director of TAT’s Chiang Mai office, said as of October the overall tourism industry in Chiang Mai had expanded 2.8 per cent year on year thanks to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions earlier this year.
She expects the industry to expand by 3.5 per cent in 2023, with the number of visitors increasing 52 per cent year on year, as the overall economy continues to recover and airlines restore more routes that were suspended due to the pandemic.
Suladda said six airlines are currently operating 11 domestic routes to Chiang Mai, while seven airlines are operating 10 international routes to the province.
“In 2023 Chiang Mai will be targeting millennial families, Gen Y and multi-generation families with campaigns that promote modern tourism trends such as the “Road to Chiang Mai” eco-tourism campaign and the “Chiang Mai Workation Staycation” that focuses on weekday trips for the generation who can work from anywhere and schedule their own vacation,” she added.
