New Thailand campaign invites Australia to “say hi with a Wai!” in 2015. Hotels.com has rolled out a creative new online campaign aimed at putting Thailand back on top of Aussie travellers’ wish lists.
Named after the traditional Thai welcome gesture, the “Wai Thailand” campaign invites Thais of all ages and occupations – as well as past and potential future visitors – to submit their own “wai” photos via a tailor-made Facebook app.
“The ‘wai’ gesture, which involves the pressing of palms together in a prayer-like fashion, is the traditional way Thais greet people, express gratitude and demonstrate respect.
Encouraging people everywhere, from all walks of life to share their own ‘wai’ photos’ is a fantastic way to showcase Thailand’s unique character and welcome travellers back to the country,” said Abhiram Chowdhry, Vice President and Managing Director of the Hotels.com brand.
In addition to showcasing the country’s incredible mix of culture, people and places for a global audience, Hotels.com is also planning to collect the thousands of individual photos submitted from all over the world to create a huge “Wai” mosaic.
“By sharing their greetings with us, everyone will get a chance to help create a huge, international greeting to remind the world of Amazing Thailand. It will also demonstrate respect for Thai culture and thanks to the warm and friendly Thai people who have over the years shown themselves to be the most hospitable hosts to people from all over the world,” said Chowdhry.
The “Wai Thailand” Facebook campaign begins today and participants have until 28th February 2015 to upload their “wai” photos. Full details of the program can be found on the Hotels.com Facebook page.
“Thailand has always been a fantastic destination that genuinely offers Thainess experience for everyone.”
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Tourism Authority of Thailand
The ‘Wai Thailand’ campaign will show the world that this hasn’t changed and encourage travellers the world over to visit and enjoy their own personal ‘wai’ experience,” said Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot.