Tourism Authority of Thailand and MasterCard Launch “Bangkok Welcomes You” Campaign

Mr. Sansern Ngaorungsi, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with Ms Eileen Wee, Vice President and Senior Country Manager, Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide last week announced the launch of the “Bangkok Welcomes You” campaign. Leveraging the success of previous campaigns such as Unseen Paradise Stay in Style II and the various 72hrs Amazing Thailand campaigns, which were received very well by visitors, this campaign is aimed at stimulating tourism domestically and in the Asia/Pacific region and raising more online marketing channels to attract tourists from neighboring markets to travel to Bangkok.

The campaign will run for close to four months, from 18 August 2010 to 30 November 2010, offering up to 100,000 packages to travelers. Cardholders will be eligible for various hotel and merchant privileges. Tourists who are eligible for the benefits of this campaign include overseas MasterCard cardholders from various markets in the Asia/Pacific region and Expat MasterCard cardholders living in Thailand as well as local MasterCard cardholders. Travelers may choose from six pricing starting at 999, 1,599, 1,999, 2,499, 2,999, and 3,999 (all prices in baht or approximately 99, 159, 199, 249, 299 and 399 MYR) per night for two persons. Bookings have to be made via www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com and cardholders will have to use their MasterCard cards to make payment.

Travelers will receive “Bangkok Welcomes You” privilege card and special vouchers when checking in at the hotel and will be eligible to enjoy privilege offers for dining, spa & beauty and accommodation in popular Thai destinations in upcountry resorts like Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Pattaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket and Ko Samui etc. Other privileges will include show & entertainment, transportation and shopping benefits.

Follow these easy steps to enjoy the many “Bangkok Welcomes You” special privileges:

1. Book your hotel at www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com
2. Get your “Bangkok Welcomes You” Privilege Card when you check in. Or call (66) 8 1929 3273 if travelers do not get the privilege card.
3. Enjoy the many exclusive privileges listed at www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com

As part of the campaign, TAT will send out the project leaflet to TAT’s overseas offices in different countries in Asia/Pacific and push for communication.

MasterCard Worldwide as the official sponsor will promote the campaign to its cardholders through financial institutions region-wide. Special usage programs and benefits will be tailored in each local market to drive interest. More information on the available packages and pricing can be found at www.mastercard.com/sea.

MasterCard, in collaboration with TAT, will also host familiarization trips in Bangkok for international press from various markets in the Asia/Pacific region and road shows in selected countries including Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

So, make your reservations for Bangkok Welcomes You now! Take advantage of the many special privileges listed at www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com. Bangkok is waiting to welcome you.