The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has embarked on a mission to forge partnerships with at least 11 international airlines as part of its strategy to fortify both burgeoning and established markets in the latter half of this year.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, disclosed plans to bolster potential markets by collaborating with airlines operating flights to Thailand. The move comes amidst projections that the long-haul market could rake in a staggering 770 billion baht this year, buoyed by an anticipated influx of 10.8 million foreign arrivals.
In the upcoming marketing endeavors, the agency is set to hone in on two key demographic groups: emerging markets and established ones. Noteworthy among the long-haul markets are six rising stars, including Poland, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, which witnessed substantial growth in the initial five months of 2024. Meanwhile, mature markets like France, Germany, and the UK continue to exhibit promising gains, according to data from the same period.
As of May 29, summer flight slots for most markets have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with the Middle East leading the recovery charge at 141%, trailed by Europe and Africa. However, challenges persist, with many countries grappling with limited seat capacity and steep airfares.
Siripakorn stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration with airlines, citing the need for innovative approaches such as bundled holiday packages and special rates for extended-stay travelers. These efforts align with Thailand’s recent visa policy, allowing citizens of 93 countries to stay for up to 60 days.
Notable developments include Air Canada’s commitment to introduce long-stay airfares coinciding with the launch of direct flights between Vancouver and Bangkok in October 2024. Additionally, several European carriers have confirmed new direct routes to Thailand for the winter season, aiming to capitalize on the region’s tourism potential.
Looking ahead, Thai AirAsia X anticipates expanding its European footprint during the winter season, marking a significant shift from the constraints faced by the aviation sector in recent years. With a global uptick in aircraft deliveries, airlines are now actively seeking expansion opportunities, presenting an opportune moment for collaboration with Thailand’s robust tourism sector.