The excellent response received this year from the #BLOGYOURTHAILAND contest split into three categories saw the power of blogging, through beautiful articles, photo stories, and videos supported by excellent social media, highlighting how the Indian bloggers and influencers love the Land of Smiles and how much they are looking forward to revisiting Thailand once the opportunity resumes.
In the age of social media when images or small videos on Instagram and Facebook or a sentence or two on the Twitter rule; Indian bloggers proved how well-crafted long-format articles still maintain good value and engagement.
Organised by TAT New Delhi office and TAT Mumbai office, this year’s contest split into three sections had a forward-looking theme: “Rediscover | Relax | Rejuvenate | Revive | Rejoice | Reboot” with the intention of #ResetInThailand. A total of nine winners (top three in three categories each) receive hi-tech gadgets and certificates. A select group of 15 secondary winners across categories receives gifts and certificates. A total of three Super Winners (one from each category) receive Super Prize in the form of a trip to Thailand subject to applicable conditions in the current pandemic scenario.
“I am so overwhelmed with this honor. It is great to see bloggers and blogging being recognised in the era of the gram. Congratulations to all other winners,” said Lakshmi Sharath, a Super Winner in the articles category.
“In 2020, for the #THROWBACKTHAILAND video contest, we received a huge number of videos. This year the contest was made open for articles, photos, and videos for all types of content producers to play with freedom. We were surprised with not only the number of articles we have received but also how creatively many bloggers embedded videos and photos in their entries. We are very pleased with the quality of the entries. We enjoyed reading the blogs, especially their experiences on exploring unknown destinations which are very appropriate under the New Normal. I congratulate the winners and every participant and look forward to staying connected with them,” said Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director – TAT (New Delhi).
“Winning in the photo category of the blogging contest makes me so thrilled. After being caged for almost two years, I am quite excited to visit the land of smiles again when travel resumes,” commented Parnashree Devi, another super winner in the photos category.
“So stoked to see our travel concept film win! Can’t wait to explore and create breathtaking memories in Thailand again,” said the third super winner Neha Sudan.
“As our mission was to not only reconnect with the established bloggers who have been to Thailand many times, but also to encourage the upcoming new bloggers to write or produce content on Thailand based on research and market study, we saw many entries who made efforts accordingly and we will consider working with them in the future. The variety of content helps us strategise better. I congratulate all the winners and participants for making this contest a grand success,” commented Cholada Siddhivarn, Director – TAT (Mumbai).
This year’s contest was focused on interdependent travel blogs and vlogs. It was reassuring to find reader engagements in the independent blog posts about the Thai destinations, the Thai experiences, and the Thai cuisines based on the articles. Nevertheless, TAT is happy with the cutting-edge social media every blogger and vlogger embraced and followed to promote their content. Other top winners also shared their excitement:
Madhurima Chakraborty: “Felt happiest in the longest time as I got the news of winning this contest in the article category. I poured my heart and soul into the piece and can’t wait to go for a relaxing trip again!”
Debjani Lahiri: “I am extremely glad to hear about the winning. Thank you so much for providing me with an opportunity to reminisce about my amazing times in Thailand.”
Karan Tripathi: “Grateful to have taken part in this fabulous campaign. It helped me to hone over my knowledge of Thailand which I’ll put to good use in the coming days.”
Mridula Dwivedi: “In my life, I never imagined travel would come to a halt, and my pictures of the past trips will bring me such source of joy I can treasure!”
Nilmani Parth: “It is an exhilarating experience for me to have made a place in the top three in the video category in this tough contest. This has really motivated me to keep working on improving my videos.”
Paresh Kothari: “Simply thrilled with this recognition! We did a backpacking trip to Thailand and vlogged about it in a series. We still feel there’s so much more to cover in this amazing country, can’t wait to go back!”
