Tourism Authority of Thailand, SIA ink MOU to boost arrivals to Land of Smiles

THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote travel to Thailand from key markets.

These markets include Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said: "This MOU signing ceremony marks a major new drive on tourism cooperation between TAT and strategic partners in key source tourist markets from around the world, all of which are under the objective of promoting travel to Thailand."

Spanning now till 31 March, 2019, the MOU between TAT and SIA will cover a series of joint activities including brand advertising and promotional campaigns, tactical and digital marketing, familiarisation trips, joint roadshows and product development.

SIA and its subsidiary SilkAir operate 89 flights weekly to Thailand. SIA operates 35 weekly flights to Bangkok, while SilkAir operates 35 weekly flights to Phuket, 14 weekly flights to Koh Samui and five weekly flights to Chiang Mai.

Goh Choon Phong, SIA's chief executive, added: "We look forward to working with TAT on many exciting activities to promote Thailand as an attractive tourist and business destination to the world. Combined with Singapore Airlines' wide global network and dedication to excellent customer service, we are confident we can increase visitor arrivals into Thailand."

For 2017, TAT has set a target of 34.5 million international visitors and some 1.81 trillion baht (S$73 billion) in international tourism receipts - this represents a 10 per cent year-on-year increase.