A very innovative way to market a country’s tourism hot spots (much better than 15-second ads on international news channel, in my opinion):
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to step up promotional efforts in the Middle East market by inviting a group of 25 beauty contestants from Lebanon to visit Koh Samui during June 24-27, 2011.
[…]
The TAT has been using [beauty] contests in several countries to present Thailand as a backdrop. This extremely cost-effective marketing effort catches the attention of the female audience and plays a major role in influencing theirs decision to visit Thailand.
[…]
Mrs Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said, “Even though the number of Lebanese visitors to Thailand is very low, it is showing a good rate of growth. The winner of the Miss Lebanon contest will be the only representative from the Middle East region to participate in the Miss Universe or Miss World contest. So people in the Middle East will be watching the Miss Lebanon contest with great interest.”
Does anyone know if LBC still has the rights to the show or is Minister Fadi Abboud overseeing the selection process?
From Wikipedia: Lipa Noi Beach on Ko Samui, Thailand, shortly after sunset. The islands of the Ang Thong Marine National Park (Mu Koh Angthong) are visible at the horizon.