TAT joins Google in bid to create world’s largest online photo album
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with Google+ to launch a new social-networking publicity campaign intended to create the world’s largest online photo album of Thai tourism attractions and cultural traditions.
Known as “ThailandOnly (share to the world)”, the campaign will run between 11 November – 10 December, 2013. Visitors will be invited to share photos of Thai tourist attractions and traditions through Google+ (Google Plus) using the Hashtag #ThailandOnly.
Mr. Apichart Inpongpan, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, said, “Judging by the responses to our previous online campaigns, we are expecting this campaign to be a huge success. If the numbers are large enough, we hope to set a Guiness World Record for the largest online photo album.”
Mr. Apichart said that creative use of digital media and social networking has become the most cost-effective way of generating positive publicity and a good image of Thai tourism in an era of intense competition for the visitor dollar.
He said, “In recent years, TAT has developed aggressive online and digital marketing strategies to promote tourism via all forms of new media and across all devices; such as, mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets. These have been designed to reach specific target audiences worldwide, especially young travellers and families.”
Mr. Apichart added, “I would like all Thais to help us promote this project by telling their friends, families, and both Thai and foreign visitors who love Thailand that they can create history by taking photos of tourist attractions and traditions in Thailand and uploading them onto Google+.
“We can begin with Loy Krathong since this very elegant and photo-friendly festival is traditionally celebrated by Thais and visitors alike. Those who would like to join the “Thailand Only Loy Kratong Photowalk”, can come to The Asiatique Riverfront in Bangkok at 5 p.m. on 17 November, 2013, and start uploading their photographs of the many enjoyable activities that will be organised.”
Social media networks are playing an increasingly important role in the tourism sector. The Internet has changed consumer behaviour in many ways, both in terms of the way people buy their travel products, the destinations they choose, the amount of time they have to travel, and the amount of money they spend.
Source: Press Release
