Travel Indochina is delighted to announce they have been awarded the �Friends of Thailand� Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Travel Indochina is one of only a handful of companies worldwide to win the award in the �International Tour Operators� category.

The Friends of Thailand Awards are the country�s highest honour conferred on non-Thai individuals and companies world-wide who have contributed to the success of the Thai tourism industry.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Travel Indochina was chosen for the award due to its outstanding work at promoting Thailand as a destination, particularly the company�s unique initiatives in promoting Thailand as a stopover on the way to Indochina and China.

Leanne Ward, Marketing Manager for TAT Australia said. �Travel Indochina have been exceptional at promoting Thailand over the last two years. A combination of the company�s impressive sales growth, innovative marketing campaigns and an increased range of specialist tours to Thailand have made Travel Indochina a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.�

Travel Indochina�s Marketing Manager, David Mannix said that the company was honoured to receive the award. �We are thrilled that the TAT has chosen us and recognises our commitment to Thailand. Our Product teams in Australia and abroad have been working hard at improving and expanding both our Thailand Small Group Journey and Independent holiday products. Thailand is now one of our fastest growing destinations and we intend to maintain this exponential rate of growth in the years ahead.�

To celebrate receiving the �Friends of Thailand� award, Travel Indochina has announced two special offers relating to its Small Group Journey series in Thailand.

1) Travel Indochina has six Small Group Journeys operating in Thailand. For the month of October, each new booking on any of these Small Group Journeys will receive a discount of up to $456 per person on the tour price, valid for travel up to 31st December, 2002. This applies to the following Small Group Journeys:

Thailand Discovery (13 days) $1709 pp* Save $366pp! Southern Thailand (7 days) $1403 pp* Save $272pp! Taste of Thailand (7 days) $1223 pp* Save $237pp! North Thailand Adventure (11 days) $1439 pp* Save $286pp! Thailand and Laos Explorer (14 days) $2268 pp* Save $442pp! Bangkok to Hanoi (15 days) $2339 pp* Save $456pp!

2) One of Travel Indochina�s most popular Small Group Journeys, the 13 Day Thailand Discovery is now priced from $2686pp* including airfare � a saving of over $400! This comprehensive journey begins in bustling Bangkok, then travels on to the ancient kingdoms of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. Visit the serene mountains, rivers and hilltribe villages of the north before returning south to visit the famous River Kwai.

For further information on these special offers, contact Travel Indochina on 1300 365 355 or visit our award-winning website: www.travelindochina.com.au

* From price for Thailand Discovery is based on low season airfare from Melbourne with Thai Airways and includes taxes. For further information contact Travel Indochina on 1300 365 355.

Travel Indochina is a specialist tour operator and a division of Concorde International. The company has had a representative office in Vietnam since 1995 and operates their flexible small group journey series in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China and Thailand. The maximum of 15 travellers and both a Western and local guide allows travellers to meet the locals, explore the culture and savour the cuisine. Check out their award wining website at www.travelindochina.com.au or contact Travel Indochina tollfree on: 1300 365 355.

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Media Enquiries: For further information please contact: David Mannix Marketing Manager Travel Indochina 02 9244 2147 e-mail: davidm@travelindochina.com.au Web: www.travelindochina.com.au Web: www.vietnamholidays.com.au