The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has received the 2026 Travellers’ Top Picks Award for Wellness from Air Canada Vacations for Phuket, following a public vote by Canadian travellers that ranked the island first in the category. The recognition comes as TAT prepares to expand Thailand’s health and wellness tourism offer under Amazing Thailand Global Health & Wellness Era 2027.
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, accepted the award for Thailand on 22 September at the Air Canada Vacations Toronto Product Launch at Universal Event Space in Toronto, Canada.
Now in its second year, the Travellers’ Top Picks Awards are organised by Air Canada Vacations, with Canadians invited to vote online for their preferred destinations across 10 categories. Phuket’s first-place ranking in the Wellness category reflects consumer recognition in Canada of the island’s health and wellness experiences and Thailand’s wider appeal for wellbeing-focused travel.
The award provides TAT with a timely platform to build awareness of Thailand’s wellness offer among Canadian travellers while supporting Thailand’s Value-led Tourism direction focused on quality experiences and higher tourism value.
TAT is also using the Toronto event to connect with travel advisors, airlines, media and tourism partners from across the Americas, linking the award with preparations for Amazing Thailand Global Health & Wellness Era 2027. The initiative will focus on developing higher-value health and wellness travel experiences, reaching new market segments and building international industry partnerships.
Planned activities include bringing international buyers to Thailand for a Health & Wellness B2B Trade Meet, reaching consumers through B2C activities, and pursuing partnerships with global sports, health and wellness brands under TAT’s Expand New Markets beyond Tourism approach.
Canada remains an important long-haul market for Thailand. From 1 January to 21 September 2026, Thailand recorded 180,510 Canadian arrivals, up 2.35 per cent year on year, placing Canada ninth among Thailand’s long-haul source markets.
Source : Phuket named top wellness destination by Canadian travellers
