The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Emirates Airline, UAE’s leading airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in Bangkok, Thailand, which aims to utilise the Airline’s global network to further boost inbound tourist arrivals to Thailand.

The goal is to be attained by focusing on the growth of key niche markets and luxury destinations within the kingdom.

The promotions will focus on niche tourism markets; such as, Green Tourism, Sports Tourism, Luxury Tourism, Weddings and Honeymoons as well as Medical Health and Wellness.

The agreement also involves the possibility of launching a new route from Dubai to other key tourism destinations in Thailand; such as, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao in Chon Buri.

Under the MoU, Emirates together with TAT will put into effect a range of joint promotions to mutually increase tourism and visibility for Thailand through the Emirates Airline Global Network.

The agreement was signed by Emirates Airline, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operation – Far East, Mr. Badr Abbas, and Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa at a commemorative event at the State Room, The Dome – Lebua State Tower, Bangkok.

700,000 passengers to Thailand

In 2015, Emirates Airline carried more than 700,000 passengers from its Global Network of destinations to Thailand.

Of this, more than 580,000 passengers flew to Bangkok and 120,000 passengers to Phuket.

They were joined by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mr. Chalermsak Suranant, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Dubai and Middle East Office and other officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “This collaboration will boost travelling of tourists from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and America with more availability of flights to Thailand to meet the demand. As Emirates Airline boasts for its world’s aviation hub that bridges the East to the West, we will implement this strength to penetrate into the niche markets by working on the worldwide joint promotion together.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas addressed

“Tapping into Emirates’ extensive global network will give the Tourism Authority of Thailand access to markets in regions that hold great potential for our unique tourism proposition.

Through this MoU, our aim is to jointly put in place the best strategies and practices to increase Thailand’s marketing footprint and position it as a “Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess”, which focuses on enhancing Thailand’s image as a unique leisure destination offering quality with value.

This ensures the balance between tourism growth and its social and environmental impact by creating “value-added experiences” and striking a balance between revenue, community and the environment.”

Emirates is planning to add its seventh daily flight between Bangkok and Dubai on 1 July.  This service will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and will help meet growing passenger demand, affirming Thailand’s position as a popular destination for business and leisure.

Thailand expects around 32 millions tourists in 2016 after a new record year of 29.8 millions arrivals in 2015