Latest news with #TourismAuthorityofThailand
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Which country in Southeast Asia is the most popular among Indian travellers?
Known for its pristine beaches, affordable stays and vibrant nightlife, this country received the highest number of Indian tourists among Southeast Asian countries in 2024. Can you guess which one? Also read: 10 million tourists visited Asia's 'most-loved country' in Q1; more than Thailand, Indonesia India is one of Thailand's most significant tourism markets, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a press release in December 2024 to celebrate the 2 million-mark of Indian tourists in Thailand. In 2023, Indian tourists generated 61.9 billion Baht in revenue for Thailand. More than 35.5 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in 2024. Of these, 2.1 million were Indians. Indian travellers arrive in Thailand around the year. November to February is typically considered the high tourist season, overlapping with winter vacation for schoolchildren in India. Thailand is a popular tourist destination with both bachelors and families. There are plenty of factors that contribute to Thailand's popularity as India's favourite tourist destination, including accessibility, affordability and distance. In its press release, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said: 'Thailand's strong air connectivity with India has been instrumental in fostering this growth. As of June 2024, 342 weekly flights between the two nations offered 2.9 million seats annually, representing a 92.2% rebound from pre-pandemic levels. Recent additions, including Indigo's Hyderabad-Bangkok route, THAI's Kochi-Bangkok flights, and Thai AirAsia's Vishakhapatnam-Bangkok service, have further enhanced accessibility.' Friendly visa policies are another major factor contributing the footfall. Thailand has visa-free entry for Indians 'until further notice'. Popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Phang-nga. Places like Phuket and Krabi are known for their stunning beaches and water activities. In Bangkok, tourists can enjoy shopping, visit famous temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, or drop into one of the city's famous rooftop bars. Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is famous for its historic temples, night markets, and mountain landscapes. It also serves as a base for visiting elephant sanctuaries.
Daily Express
05-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Transforming Thai Tourism: The Successes of 2024 and the Ambitious Goals for 2025
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 Text Size: Kuala Lumpur: "Opening the Door to a New Dimension of Thai Tourism: 2024 Achievements and 2025 Goals" Under the exceptional leadership of Sirinthra Surakanit, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Kuala Lumpur Office, in collaboration with tourism business partners, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Tourism Malaysia, a new gateway for cross-border tourism has been opened. This includes knowledge sharing within the industry, fostering cooperation, and advancing leadership roles that have propelled continued success throughout 2024. A Turning Point in 2024 This year marked dynamic tourism promotion efforts that showcased Thailand's diverse image to Malaysian travelers through outstanding campaigns and projects: ● Showcasing Thai Diversity through FAM Trips Highlighted well-known destinations like Hat Yai and Songkhla, along with the unique cultural charm of Ayutthaya, the beauty of Mae Hong Son, and emerging places such as Surin, Buriram, and Udon Thani. ● ASEAN Connectivity FAM Trip A project connecting Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos via cross-border travel routes from Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai to Vientiane. ● "My Sawasdee Train" A special train service linking major cities between Malaysia and Thailand, offering travelers a more convenient and exciting journey. ● Thai-Malaysian Driving Caravan A campaign promoting travel via new routes and cultural exchange between the two nations, helping to develop regional tourism products. Stepping into 2025 with the Concept: Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End In 2025, Thailand aims to strengthen its global image with the theme "Your Stories Never End", encouraging travelers to create lasting memories and share endless stories. Building on the past year's Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End, the vision for 2025 evolves into 'Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025,' aimed at inspiring tourists to explore Thailand, create new memories, and continue their travel stories. Key Focus Areas: ● Sustainable Tourism Promoting complete, accurate, and up-to-date travel information to support sustainable travel. ● Catering to Diverse Target Groups Millennials and Millennial Families: Emphasizing slow travel that fosters meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. Health & Wellness: Offering high-quality, affordable health and wellness tourism experiences in peaceful, restorative environments. Ms. Sirinthra Surakanit, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Kuala Lumpur Office, is dedicated to leading Thailand to regional tourism leadership through strategic management, strong partnerships, and a firm commitment to sustainable success—both in industry development and team objectives—to build charm and confidence in Thailand among travelers worldwide. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Trade Arabia
30-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Etihad signs MoC with Tourism Authority of Thailand
Etihad Airways signs a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and the national airline of the UAE, at Arabian Travel Market 2025. The agreement aims to promote tourism to Thailand through Etihad's extensive global network. Aligning with Etihad's mission to deliver extraordinary travel experiences, the MoC will see both organisations advocating high-quality travel experiences in Thailand through collaborative activities and promotion. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Thailand is a very important market for Etihad, this is demonstrated by our continued expansion into the market with two new destinations this year, and further by this Memorandum of Cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to drive leisure travel. This agreement will help further strengthen our relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand and Etihad's position in the market, reinforcing our commitment to deliver extraordinary travel experiences." Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: 'Our partnership with Etihad marks a significant milestone in advancing Thailand's position as a preferred global destination. With Etihad's extensive network and world-class service, we are confident that this collaboration will inspire more travellers to explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and wellness offerings of Thailand. Together, we aim to deliver unforgettable experiences and reinforce Thailand's appeal as a year-round destination for international visitors.'
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
TAT promotes Thailand as a Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
Strategic partnerships with GCC airlines and tailored offerings aim to attract 1 million visitors from the Middle East and Africa Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 2025 : The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting Thailand's position as a premier Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, aligning with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 initiative. At the event, TAT announced new partnerships with key GCC-based airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, to enhance connectivity and offer co-branded campaigns that showcase Thailand's wellness and luxury experiences. These initiatives aim to help TAT reach its 2025 target of over 1 million visitors from the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: 'Thailand is proud to offer an inclusive, seamless travel experience for Muslim travellers. We now have an extensive network of Halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities at major airports and shopping centres, and luxury accommodations with private and gender-segregated amenities. We believe these features make Thailand a compelling choice for the Muslim travel market.' Tailored travel packages have been developed for families, honeymooners, and wellness seekers from the GCC region. These curated experiences focus on privacy, cultural exploration, shopping, and relaxation – designed in line with the values and expectations of Muslim travellers. Thailand welcomed over 956,000 visitors from the MEA region in 2024, a 25.6% increase from the previous year. The country remains a top destination among high-spending travellers from the Middle East who seek longer stays and personalised itineraries. As part of its broader campaign, TAT is showcasing the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 at ATM. The nationwide celebration features year-round festivals, global sporting events, and exclusive travel privileges. Key focus areas include sports tourism, wellness, culture, gastronomy, and luxury—each offering immersive and personalised experiences that reflect Thailand's commitment to sustainable, creative, and innovative tourism. The campaign also highlights Thailand's '5 Must-Do Experiences': Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See—inviting travellers to delve deeper into the country's cultural richness beyond the typical tourist routes. Ms Kiatphaibool added: 'The Middle East is familiar with our iconic offerings, but we're excited to present new perspectives, including our Thai Craft Destinations concept and Hidden Gem Cities. These showcase authentic local craftsmanship, culture, and cuisine – helping travellers discover the true essence of Thailand.' TAT's efforts are underpinned by Thailand's sustainable tourism strategy, which follows the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. This approach supports low-impact travel, community engagement, and cultural preservation, reinforcing Thailand's role as a leader in responsible tourism. Following ATM, a delegation of Thai representatives will conduct roadshows in Riyadh, Dammam, and Doha from 4–7 May, followed by visits to Casablanca and Amman. These initiatives aim to strengthen B2B engagement and solidify Thailand's presence in the GCC market.
Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Etihad Airways signs memorandum of cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Etihad Airways on Tuesday signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to strengthen the relationship between the Southeast Asian nation and the national airline of the UAE at Arabian Travel Market 2025. The agreement aims to promote tourism to Thailand through Etihad's extensive global network. Aligning with Etihad's mission to deliver extraordinary travel experiences, the MoC will see both organisations advocating high-quality travel experiences in Thailand through collaborative activities and promotion. Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said: 'Thailand is a very important market for Etihad, this is demonstrated by our continued expansion into the market with two new destinations this year, and further by this Memorandum of Cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to drive leisure travel. This agreement will help further strengthen our relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand and Etihad's position in the market, reinforcing our commitment to deliver extraordinary travel experiences.' Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: 'Our partnership with Etihad marks a significant milestone in advancing Thailand's position as a preferred global destination. With Etihad's extensive network and world-class service, we are confident that this collaboration will inspire more travellers to explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and wellness offerings of Thailand. Together, we aim to deliver unforgettable experiences and reinforce Thailand's appeal as a year-round destination for international visitors.' Etihad announced last year the addition of two new destinations in Thailand, among the 16 new routes the airline will be launching this year. Operations to Krabi and Chiang Mai will begin in October and November respectively, and will strengthen the airline's presence in the market, alongside existing routes to Bangkok and Phuket. Etihad's extensive global network and four gateways in Thailand make it easy for leisure travellers to fly directly into their favourite holiday destinations in Thailand, supporting tourism in the market on a global scale. Image 1: From left to right: Image 2: From left to right: Etihad Airways cabin crew, Dr Nadia Bastaki Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer Etihad Airways, Thapanee Kiatphaibool Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Antonoaldo Neves Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways, H.E. Mr. SorayutChasombat Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE, and Etihad Airways cabin crew.
