URTRIP-Thailand, the in-destination specialist, officially launched its services after three months of beta-testing. The company now offers the most experience-worthy activities and attractions around the country, with a focus on ethical tourism and unusual destinations.
The idea first came to Kunnika Tuinaphiang, Singapore-educated hospitality, and tourism specialist with over eight years of experience with Thai hotels, including the Muse hotel in Bangkok where she was in charge of Guest Relations Management. As tourists often asked her to recommend activities and tours, she naturally thought of creating an offer as a response to these requests. With a team of expats, locals, and travelers who were also frequently asked for advice about things to do on holidays, she started URTRIP-Thailand. With the combined expertise of team members and their continued exploration of new experiences, the company now offers a selection of the most trip-worthy activities and attractions which can be booked directly from the website.
Knowing that there is a tradition of stories circulating about dishonest tour operators who inflate prices and deliver mediocre service, URTRIP-Thailand scrutinises the friendliness and professionalism of each operator, selecting only those who guarantee a superior level of customer experience and safety. URTRIP-Thailand is also committed to the principles of sustainable and ethical tourism and chooses only those activities which meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility. The company firmly believes that tourism should support local communities and encourage infrastructure development, and condemns unethical practices which include nature or animal abuse. This is why URTRIP-Thailand does not offer elephant riding camps, crocodile shows or tiger petting experiences, where animals are drugged and abused.
Instead, URTRIP takes tourists to unique destinations, creating out-of-ordinary experiences and offering an “off-the-beaten-track” experience. This approach supports the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s project to promote the kingdom’s emerging generation of secondary destinations with the hope that greater tourist traffic will lift regional economies and close the income gap between rural and urban areas.
One of these emerging secondary destinations which URTRIP-Thailand offers is the ancient city of Lamphun, which was founded by Queen Chamadevi in the 8th century, well over a millennia before the formation of Bangkok or Lampang. Another is Lampang, with its rustic roads, the most authentic recipe of rice cracker snacks, stunning waterfalls and the famous hot spring of Chae Son National Park. These tours, like many others which URTRIP-Thailand already offers, depart from Chiang Mai, meaning tourists are free from the hassle of arranging alternative accommodation or transportation to experience the activity.
“We are keen on expanding our list of off-the-beaten-track destinations within the next two or three months, intending to have 20 to 30, or maybe even more tours that go beyond the usual Top-20 things to do in Thailand” said Kunnika Tuinaphiang, the company’s COO.
“There is more to Thailand than the most popular destinations, and we want tourists to experience some of the country’s hidden gems for a truly local experience. By exploring Thailand off the beaten path, travelers will be able to discover how diverse the Kingdom is”, said Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor.
