I hope you are all well.

We launched this newsletter for travelers two years ago, shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic, to keep you informed of all policy changes. As Thailand and Australia reopen with few to no Covid restrictions, I am now shifting our communication focus to the activities of the Tourism Authority of Australia (TAT), as well as product and destination highlights.

What is happening at the Australian office of the TAT?

Khun Suladda Sarutilavan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Oceania, is concluding her four-year term in Australia this week. We thank Khun Suladda for her wise leadership and support, especially for her dedication and compassion during the two challenging pandemic years. We will miss her. All the best and much success in Chiang Mai! (She will be taking over as head of the TAT office in Chiang Mai.)

Last week, Khun Suladda and I traveled to Thailand to give an overview of the Oceania market to Thai hotels and tourism companies as part of the TAT Tourism Clinic in Bangkok and Pattaya. The Thai providers showed great interest in entering the Australian market. PS: It was fantastic to be able to travel to Thailand without any extra formalities – apart from presenting our Covid vaccination certificate.

We are delighted to be able to contribute through the Koala Clancy Foundation. The TAT Sydney team, in partnership with the Minor Hotel Group, plans to plant over 1,000 trees on Mount Rothwell in Victoria on National Tree Day (July 31, 2022). The aim is to restore the habitat for Australia's most beloved symbolic animal, the koala. This initiative is similar to efforts in northern Thailand to restore the jungle habitat for Thailand's national animal, the elephant. Photos and updates will follow shortly on our social media channels.

Destination highlight – Pattaya

Many Australian tourists don't realize they don't need another domestic flight (from Bangkok) for a beach holiday. Pattaya is just a 1.5-hour drive southeast of Bangkok. The city offers a wealth of options: clean, white sand, a wide range of accommodations, fresh seafood and restaurants, shopping, and night markets. Those who prefer a central location can stay near Pattaya Beach. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, we recommend Wong Amat Beach (to the north), Jomtien Beach (to the south), or even further south.

Product Highlight – Grande Center Point Space, Pattaya

A brand-new hotel is celebrating its grand opening on August 1, 2022. I have to commend their innovation and creativity; the entire building is designed in a space theme. This will attract families, space enthusiasts, and (I bet) plenty of young-at-heart tourists. We love their 12,000 m² water park (wave pool, slide, and lazy river). The indoor family playground is something special; this separate area is called the Astro Club. The hotel also houses the largest Let's Relax Onsen & Spa in Thailand. We had the privilege of using the Space Convention Centre for our mini tourism clinic; it has state-of-the-art technology and is fantastic for conferences. My personal highlight was the wireless mobile device charger on the alarm clock in the hotel room—a fantastic little touch that makes a big difference for travelers.

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