With a Surge in Thailand Bookings, Avanti Boosts Offerings
by Jessica Montevago /
Thailand is the second-most popular Asian destination for Avanti Destinations, and bookings for 2020 are already so strong that it could become the “bestseller in Asia this year,” according to the FIT tour operator.
In response, Avanti is beefing up its resources for travel agents and is introducing five new customizable vacations and 30 new experiences.
Thailand Tourism and Avanti Destinations have partnered to create a new 36-page educational e-brochure on FIT travel for travel agents. “The Thailand: Land of Smiles" is available on Avanti’s agent portal.
The e-brochure includes useful information on Thai festivals and destinations to suit various traveler interests: active travel, wellness, romance, cuisine, culture, Buddhist temples, art and shopping. There is even a description of the regional differences in Thai food.
Avanti’s bookings show a trend towards the younger generation of FIT travelers, according to a statement, who have diverse interests from cuisine and temples to snorkeling and cooking classes. FIT vacations usually include several days in Bangkok, a visit to the former Lanna kingdom’s capital of Chiang Mai in the north, followed by a longer stay at the stunning beach resorts in the area of Phuket in southwestern Thailand.
The new e-brochure also includes descriptions of two other destinations: Chiang Rai in the north (home of the Emerald Buddha) and Koh Samui (an island off the eastern edge of Thailand’s Kra isthmus). Transfers between cities and regions are typically by air.
Thailand Tourism is offering a $100 per person discount for any Avanti FIT vacation in Thailand for five or more nights if booked before Feb. 29, 2020, for travel anytime in 2020. A link for this offer is at the back of the e-brochure.
Five new customizable vacations
Avanti’s suggested itineraries are completely customizable. Travel advisors can combine shorter itineraries and add hotel nights, destinations, tours and experiences to any suggested vacation.
“Bangkok Unveiled” — The four-night itinerary includes private tours of the Grand Palace; floating markets and night tour by tuk-tuk; private arrival and departure transfers; daily breakfast; and a wide choice of accommodations.
“Charms of Chiang Mai” — A four-night stay in northern Thailand includes private tours of the city, night market, and a tea plantation; a traditional Khantoke dinner typical of the Lanna people; private arrival and departure transfers; daily breakfast; and a choice of accommodations.
“Phuket Paradise” — Travelers stay three nights in the region of white sand beaches, clear waters, and dramatic karst formations. Includes private Phuket street food walking tour; shared Phi Phi tour by speedboat; private arrival and departure transfers; daily breakfast; and a choice of accommodations.
“Secrets of Samui” — This is a three-night stay on Thailand’s second largest island, also known for its white sand beaches, coconut groves and rainforest. Includes a tour of Angthong National Marine Park; private arrival and departure transfers; daily breakfast; and a choice of accommodations.
“Connecting the Capitals” — The seven-night itinerary visits Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Sukhotai – the latter two were capitals of their respective kingdoms, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Includes private tours of Bangkok’s major sights; art and culture tour in Bangkok, Koh Kret (an island famous for the Mon people’s distinctive terracotta pottery), Ayutthaya temples, and Sukhothai; organic farm experiences with cooking class; private arrival and departure transfers; daily breakfast; and a choice of accommodations.
Among the new activities and tours in Thailand are sampling Bangkok’s street food by tuk-tuk; a private day experience in an agricultural village; touring Chiang Mai by Vespa; a walking tour of Phuket’s market and old town; and a James Bond-themed tour of waterfalls by long-tail boat.