THAI, THAI Smile, and TAT join hands to fly Indian travellers to Thailand

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), THAI, and THAI Smile Airways are promoting Thai tourism in the Indian market. According to Suvadhana Sibunruang, acting THAI CEO, following the international border reopening in various countries, air travel and tourism industry has shown a positive sign of recovery.

THAI, THAI Smile, and TAT signed the LOI to enhance travel experience and develop marketing activities for the Indian market, to offer passengers with privileges and joint promotion especially for leisure, golfer, visiting friends and relatives (VFR) and wedding travellers, and to exchange the information in tourism industry for sustainable development in the industry. In 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic), 1.9 million travellers from India generated more than 8.5 billion baht revenue in Thailand.

This collaboration is expected to boost the recovery of Thai tourism businesses and Thai economy after the pandemic.

In addition to the collaboration in the Indian market, THAI operates flights in over 34 continental and intercontinental routes in its summer 2022 schedule. Passengers may travel further with THAI Smile and Star Alliance member airlines. Flight frequencies may increase in response to the growing travel demand and the government’s upcoming policy.

Napintorn Srisunpang, vice minister for tourism and sports, said the Indian market is the significant market in Southern Asia both in market size and tourist purchasing power. This market is necessary for every country driven by tourism economy. This collaboration is the opportunity to boost the recovery of the Indian market following the Air Travel Bubble agreement between Thailand and India.

According to the Economics Tourism and Sports Division, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in 2019, Thailand welcomed 1,995,516 inbound tourists from India, 24.85% higher, and earned 86,372.01 million baht, an increase of 27.45%. This reflects the potential of the Indian market.

Tanes Petsuwan, TAT deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and South Pacific, said as part of the “Visit Thailand Year 2022” campaign, TAT will focus on quality inbound tourists from this particular market through celebrities and influencers marketing to the millennials target audience. TAT Delhi and Mumbai offices will also notify local tour agents about Thailand’s immigration measures and new travel products and services to plan the joint promotion activities for luxurious tourists.