Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor (centre) presided over the press conference inviting nominations for the Thailand Tourism Awards 2017 at the TAT’s headquarters in Bangkok.

Bangkok, 30 August, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting nominations for the “11^th Thailand Tourism Awards 2017”, which will be conferred on World Tourism Day, 27 September, next year. Deadline for receipt of completed nominations is 30 November, 2016.

Details of the Awards and the nomination criteria were announced today by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor. The press conference at the TAT Head Office was attended by Siam Niramit and Nong Nooch Garden representatives, TAT Executives, the Judging Committee, tourism operators, representatives of Thai tourism associations, invited guests and the media.

Mr. Yuthasak said, “The Awards are designed to raise industry standards and recognise companies and individuals that have contributed to advancing a positive image of the Thai travel and tourism sector, now established as one of the country’s key socio-economic development pillars.”

“Our Awards are unique in that they meet very specific criteria that link a high-quality tourism product with exemplary standards of service and facilities to the broader goals of national development, including culture, heritage and the environment.”

“Hence, these awards are not just popularity contests but the result of a very carefully scrutinised and evaluated process.”

The five Award categories for 2017 are:

• Tourism Support and Promotion Organisation
• Tourist Attractions
• Tourist Accommodation
• Tour Programmes
• Health Tourism

The Judging Committee consists of specialists and experts from various sectors related to tourism; such as, the Department of National Parks, Department of Fine Arts, Pollution Control Department, Community Based Tourism Institute, Thailand Tourism Council, Thai Hotels Association, Thai Spa Association, Association of Thai Travel Agents, Thai Eco Tourism and Adventure Travel Association, amongst others.

The judging criteria requires applicants to show how they are helping conserve the country’s natural resources, mitigating climate change, contributing to economic and social development, practising good governance, and innovation.

Small and medium sized companies are encouraged to apply.

Mr. Yuthasak said, “Winning an award becomes a competitive advantage. This enhances consumer confidence and also raises the brand image of Thailand and the Thai tourism industry at large. It also motivates the emerging generation of investors to maintain a similar focus when developing their new business products.”

In addition, the awardees get marketing support through TAT’s public relations channels; such as, television, radio, printed media, online media and Or Sor Tor magazine. They also have a chance to participate in TAT’s road shows and consumer trade fairs, both domestic and overseas, at concessional rates.

The awardees are given priority for inclusion on TAT product survey trips for media and tour operators. Their names are prominently featured on the list of Award winners on the TAT website:
www.tourismthailand.org/tourismawards.

Application forms and supporting documents can be downloaded here:
www.tourismthailand.org/tourismawards.

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4471 – 4474
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5694
Call Center 1672

Contact Information
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Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
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