Can’t afford the sky-rocketing fares to Goa for a New Year party? Fly to Thailand. That’s what many Mumbaikars are doing, according to travel professionals. “For the price of a return ticket to Goa one can get a full vacation in Thailand,” says Vijaya Hariharan of Travel Consultants.

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Keen to revive its tourism industry after the setback during the floods, Thailand is rolling out cheap deals to woo tourists. “Five-star hotel rooms for Rs5,000 and discounts at malls make Bangkok a big draw,” says Abhishek Tanna of Globus Tours, who has booked 30 people from Mumbai. While Bangkok and Phuket continue to be the favourites, a few are reaching out to offbeat areas.

Another factor that has made Thailand a value destination is the near-simultaneous movement of the Indian rupee and Thai Baht.

“We are conscious that the Indian rupee has depreciated significantly vis-a-vis the dollar and we are asking our associates to make special concessions for Indian tourists,” says Sansern Ngaorungsi, Deputy Governor for International Marketing — Asia, Tourism Authority of Thailand. “There are nearly 10 flights to Bangkok every day and the short journey of four hours gives plenty of flexibility for planning a quick holiday,” says Sethaphan Buddhani, Director of TAT’s Mumbai office.