Thailand invests in medical tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) 2018 marketing plan TAT Action Plan covers both international and domestic tourism.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) 2018 marketing plan TAT Action Plan covers both international and domestic tourism.

TAT’s marketing plan 2018 seeks to generate revenue and increase visitor arrivals, promote new ideas and follow the development agenda of Thailand in line with the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan and 2nd National Tourism Development Plan.

To be targeted over the 12-month period of the fiscal year 2018, beginning October 2017, the international marketing plan strategy segments target customers worldwide ranging from first-timers to repeaters, senior citizens to sports enthusiasts. TAT will also emphasise on niche markets and create a brand image as a high-end end luxury travel destination.

In 2018, TAT will change its marketing from mass-marketing to sharply focused marketing campaigns, which can deliver measurable results. These will help maintain a strong brand presence, improve the efficiency of marketing spend, address the seasonality factor, decongest popular destinations and establish closer cooperation with potential partners that include businesses and local communities.

The number of visitors from January – June 2017 was 17.3 million, in which the China market was the biggest generator followed by Russia and Malaysia. The Royal Thai Government seeks at least an 8 % increase in tourism revenue for 2018.The country promotes medical and health tourism but it is niche marketing to drive up income rather than just going for larger numbers.

Thailand seeks to promote itself as Asia’s anti-aging centre, boasting 500 medical specialists in this sector.

The government has approved 90-day visas for patients and medical visitors from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam as well as from the People’s Republic of China in a bid to boost Thailand’s medical tourism.

Long-stay 10-year visas are now available for senior nationals of 14 countries including: Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

TAT is partnering with Royal Orchid Plus to offer special health and wellness tourism packages to help promote medical tourism. This includes an invitation to Royal Orchid Plus Platinum and Gold members to visit Thailand, supported by special packages from leading hospitals and clinics, for complimentary health check-ups.