Mr. Rattanachai Suttidechanai, Expert Position of Pattaya City, stated, "Pattaya set "Better Pattaya" as its tourism strategy and elevated the city to international standards. Pattaya has continuously had many opportunities to organize national events, such as the Pattaya Festival supported by all sectors. This June, Pattaya will hold a Pride event, which has already been held annually, to create a space for LGBTQIAN+ people. The city of Pattaya wishes to elevate the event to an international scale or 'International Pride' and has extended the event to longer than a week so tourists can make plans more conveniently. Post COVID, the type of tourists who travel to Pattaya the most are from India followed by Russia and European countries."
Mr. Sanpech Supabowornsthian, President of Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter, stated, "Pattaya is considered a mixed market, tourists are from various nationalities, all income levels and all ages. Both the public and private sectors are committed to pushing and promoting the marketing of Pattaya City as a tourist attraction that can be visited every day due to its proximity from Bangkok, easy to commute, and reasonably priced accommodation. As for the travel trends, we also noticed the changes. There has been a switch from guided tours to F.I.T. (Free Independent Traveler) as Pattaya provides clear signages and information that can be self-accessed, allowing tourists to travel by themselves without having to rely on tour companies. Consumers also benefit from competition among low-cost airlines when they make plans. In addition, we discovered that tourists also charter their flights and partake in F.I.T.. Travelers or tourists purchase tours separately but join the same bus. Right now is considered the opportunity for consumers to choose the accommodation that best meets their needs."
Dr. Srisuriya Jarukornteepop, President, Development of Thai Young Entrepreneurs and Working Age Association, added, "I want to share my view on how the LGBTQ+ segment should be perceived as an ordinary person. Most people associate this group with over-the-top, vivid, and bold outfits that stand out from the general public. As the era changes, equality or fairness is to accept that everyone is human and not judging others based on their appearance. Pattaya organizes Pride Month activities to show these standpoints. As for the Pride Parade, the private sector is ready to support and push Pattaya as a well-known and internationally recognized tourist destination."
Mr. Kamphol Sirisomboonlarp, Head of Regional Marketing (Pattaya), Central Pattana Public Company Limited, stated, "Central Festival department has hosted the Pride International Festival for the 5th consecutive year. This year we are determined to make Pattaya an even bigger destination for the LGBTQIA+ community. There will be many highlights, such as over 5,000 Miss Grand Thailand contestants and Celebrity Net Idols who will join the 5-kilometer-long Pride Parade held by the beach on Saturday, June 24, 2023. The parade is an event that LGBTQIA+ people from all over the country and the world are looking forward to. We have also expanded our activities under the concept of 'Pride for All' throughout June to major cities such as the Central World department store in Bangkok and Central Festival complexes in other provinces including Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Pattaya, to create happiness for the people of Thailand and contribute as part of tourism promotion."
Ms. Sasime Panichvibool, Head of Marketing, Atmind Group, remarked, "Arbour Hotel and Residence launched a campaign under the concept "ARBOUR PUT YOUR PRIDE ON", focusing on 3 elements: "Customers" in which the hotel tries to create an experience for guests to be able to express their identity or stance without limits. The second element is "Product Design" where the rooms are designed full of comfort. The outstanding structure of the hotel is another landmark in Pattaya and must visit photo spot. Moreover, the hotel was designed and decorated specifically for PRIDE MONTH by applying the PUT YOUR PRIDE ON theme to blend and complete every touch point of the hotel, whether it is the highlight photo corner, a rainbow staircase on the rooftop on the 24th floor, pride-themed snacks and drinks, keycard sleeve, and much more. The last element is "Partnership". This year, the hotel confidently chooses to partner to create the PUT YOUR PRIDE ON campaign together with a range of strong partners, whether it is with the Central department store, the government, or the private sector, who help to make Pattaya one of Thailand's top cities the LGBTQIA+ group chooses to travel to, and especially 'KTC credit cards.' As for the feedback on the campaign, we hope that every customer and group will increasingly come to use the service at the hotel because 'Pride is for everyone.'"
Mrs. Pranaya Nithananon, Head of Credit Card Marketing, "KTC" or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, stated, "KTC also puts the importance on sustainability through the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts and giving opportunities and equality as one of the key drivers. We have a policy to respect human rights and gender equality (Gender Equality) by looking after personnel in the organization with "same-sex partners" who live together as a family to be entitled to the same rights as a married couple in all respects. KTC's partnership with Arbor Hotel and Residence is in harmony with both the marketing strategy that targets tourist segmentation such as the LGBTQIA+ group, which is considered a group with high purchasing power, as well as ESG policy guidelines that provide opportunity and gender equality. KTC would like to offer special privileges to KTC credit card members through the "PUT YOUR PRIDE ON" campaign package. At 3,500 baht, enjoy the Deluxe room with breakfast for 2 persons, special gifts such as 2 Pride-themed coolers, colorful tote bags, and up to 20% discounts on food and beverages. Special offer get a free ARBOUR PRIDE CAP worth 690 baht by reserving a room under the campaign with a KTC VISA credit card from 1 June to 31 August 2023 (for stays until 30 September 2023)."
Source: Krungthai Card
