The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively pursuing partnerships with a minimum of 11 international airlines to enhance both growing and established markets in the second half of this year.
With a projected revenue of at least 770 billion baht from 10.8 million foreign arrivals in the long-haul market this year, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor overseeing Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, highlighted the agency’s strategy to strengthen key markets by collaborating with airlines that operate flights to Thailand from these regions.
The marketing focus for the latter part of the year will be on two key market segments: emerging markets and established markets.
Amid the long-haul markets, six emerging markets displayed noteworthy growth in the initial five months of 2024: Poland (65.2%), Italy (48%), Saudi Arabia (27.6%), Denmark (26%), Canada (23%), and Kazakhstan (17.6%).
The five established markets that sustained growth during the same period and require continued attention include: France (38.7%), Germany (32%), the UK (22.6%), Russia (14.8%), and the US (14.3%).
As of May 29, most markets have surpassed pre-pandemic flight capacities for the summer period, notably with the Middle East at 141%, Europe at 103%, and Africa at 81.3%, indicating a robust recovery.
Mr. Siripakorn emphasized the necessity for improved collaboration with airlines, given the ongoing challenges in many countries related to limited flight capacities and high airfares.
The TAT aims to engage in discussions with airlines to promote bundled airline seat offers with vacation packages or discounted rates for extended-stay visitors, in line with Thailand’s recent visa policy allowing longer stays of up to 60 days for citizens of 93 nations.
Two airlines, including Air Canada, have already agreed to introduce long-stay airfare options to encourage tourists to prolong their visits in Thailand, with plans for direct flights from Vancouver to Bangkok starting in October 2024.
Several carriers have confirmed new direct flights to Thailand for the European winter season. Iberojet, a Spanish-Portuguese charter airline, is operating seven flights per week between Madrid and Bangkok. Meanwhile, Condor, a German leisure airline, is offering four weekly flights between Frankfurt and Bangkok, as well as Frankfurt and Phuket.
British Airways is set to launch three direct flights per week from London Gatwick to Bangkok starting in October, while Finnair will offer direct flights from Helsinki to Bangkok and Phuket from November, operating roughly 19-20 weekly flights on these routes.
In Kazakhstan, SCAT Airlines has begun services from Almaty to Surat Thani as of May 30. Thai Airways is planning to resume Bangkok-Milan and Bangkok-Oslo services from July 1.
Mr. Siripakorn mentioned that Thai AirAsia X, a long-haul low-cost carrier, intends to introduce flights to four European cities during the upcoming winter season.
He highlighted the current shift in the aviation sector, emphasizing that negotiations with airlines were previously constrained due to limited seat capacities, resulting in elevated ticket prices. However, with increased global aircraft deliveries, airlines are now seeking opportunities to expand their networks, presenting an opportune time for partnerships with Thailand, which continues to exhibit strong tourism demand.
