Sports tournaments among the themes being promoted by the tourism authority
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is inviting Canadian duffers to tee up in a country that has clear ties to the man who is arguably the greatest competitor golf has ever seen.
The tourism authority hosted Toronto travel industry personnel at a March 24 roadshow, updating them about what it has labelled Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, which among other things is highlighting sporting opportunities in a country that has traditionally been associated with tropical beaches and Buddhist culture and temples by visiting Canadians.
“This year is a special year for Thailand,” Anoma Vongyai, director of the tourism authority’s Chicago office, told Travel Courier while adding there will be sporting tournaments and festivals held throughout the year.
Among sports available for vacationers is golf, with Thailand having hundreds of courses, and golfing great Tiger Woods frequently noting that his mother was Thai.
Woods has competed in Thailand, winning tournaments in the Asian country, which has also produced women who have been ranked in the top 10 on the LPGA women’s golf circuit.
Other sports cited by tourism authority staff were scuba diving in a country that has a long coast, and Thai kickboxing, with visitors able to watch competitions and even enroll in classes in the martial art.
Surfing is another activity, with Thai waters also being home to numerous islands, including famed James Bond Island, featured in The Man with the Golden Gun.
“Thailand is ready to welcome Canadians seeking unique experiences,” Malinee Nitikasetsunthorn, the tourism authority’s executive director, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa Region department, told the Toronto gathering.
Tourists tend to visit Bangkok and the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, a showcase for Thai culture.
But the delegation also suggested tourists visit the former capital of Ayutthaya, home to structures recalling the Thailand of yesteryear; coastal Pattaya; and “hidden gems” found elsewhere in a country that is now hosting over 250,000 Canadians a year. Canadian stays in the country average 17 days.
Television series White Lotus is now showcasing Thailand, including the island retreat of Koh Samui, drawing attention to that popular resort destination, and there are now tour operators creating programs linked to the show.
Tourism authorities also told those on hand in Toronto that Thailand can accommodate many different groups, including honeymooners; wellness enthusiasts, with the country having many spas; and members of the LGBT community, with Thailand having earned a reputation for being tolerant of differing lifestyles.
Among Thai carriers is Bangkok Airways, which bills itself as “Asia’s boutique airline.”
There is also seasonal Vancouver-Bangkok Air Canada service, with that airline’s Matthew Djorsev telling the audience that his Star Alliance carrier uses partnerships with other carriers to deliver clients to Bangkok during those months when it doesn’t fly directly to the Thai capital.
“We can get your clients to Thailand 365 days a year,” he said.
Meanwhile, those attending the roadshow were reminded that the tourism authority has a specialist program called Thai the Knot. It can be found at thaitheknotspecialist.com.
