Bangkok Airways outlines plans to help Thai tourism
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Bangkok Airways has reported that passenger numbers fell between 20 and 30% during the protests in the Thai city. However, Bangkok Airways President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said it had “spurred us to assist in [Thailand tourism’s] restoration” and has outlined how it will help boost visitor numbers. “At a time when Thailand tourism is not as buoyant as it should be, Bangkok Airways has been active with targeted and competitive promotions,” explained Vice President of Corporate Communications M.L. Nandhika Varavarn. “Some are in cooperation with TAT, the Thai Hotel Association and other private sectors to introduce more customised travel packages to respond to the needs of a wider variety of consumers.” The airline began by stating that it wanted to create more codeshare agreements to provide more convenience for foreign travellers. “As an airline we will play our role fully at a time when a strong and united effort is required to bring back investor confidence and to further strengthen the country’s overall economy,” added Puttipong. Additionally, the airline wants to utilise the web, including Facebook and Twitter, to drive sales. “The online channel growth rate is around 30% per year with online sales representing 27% of overall sales volume in 2009,” explained Bangkok Airways Deputy Sales Director Chulin Kocharoen. “For 2010 we expect a 35% growth rate, representing 2.8 billion baht in cash revenue from what we believe will be an active tourism market in the second half of the year.” Kocharoen also revealed the airline is developing an iPhone app to enable bookings, check-in and timetable checks on phones. A marketing campaign entitled Love at First Flight has been launched in Thailand to promote the airline and its services through a romantic theme. The airline recorded revenue of 2.3 billion baht in 2010’s first quarter and it expected to generate 8.2bn baht throughout 2010.
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