Thai Airways reports a 10% decline in Chinese tours and is set to collaborate with Chinese airlines to establish a Thailand-China gateway to attract tourists, highlighting plans to promote travel to 30 secondary cities in Asia and Europe to boost sales during the high season.

          Mr. Wiwat Piyawiroj, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Commercial at Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, revealed that recent events affecting Chinese tourists have directly impacted the tourism market, with Thai Airways experiencing a 10% drop in Chinese tourists over the past two quarters, particularly in secondary cities like Kunming and Chengdu.

          Currently, Chinese customers make up only 10% of Thai Airways' total clientele, indicating significant growth potential for revenue generation in the future. Therefore, the airline is collaborating with China Southern Airlines, the leading airline in China with a fleet of over 800 aircraft, to develop a gateway between Guangzhou and Bangkok for Chinese tourists and to facilitate connecting passengers. A memorandum of cooperation will soon be signed covering all aspects, including marketing, passenger transfer, and the introduction of new flight routes.

          Mr. Wiwat further stated that for the high season tourism period in the last three months of the year, he believes tourist activity will pick up again. Thus, Thai Airways is partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to create promotional packages aimed at boosting tourism in secondary cities. The airline will offer special pricing for tickets to destination airports along with group tours to nearby secondary cities, targeting potential markets in Asia, including India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China, to promote new Thai tourism destinations.

          The secondary city packages will feature 10 different options covering 30 secondary cities, such as Chiang Mai-Lamphun-Lampang, Krabi-Phatthalung-Phang Nga, and Udon Thani-Ubon Ratchathani-Khon Kaen, among others. With this campaign, the airline is confident it will increase passenger numbers, anticipating a cabin factor of no less than 80% during this year's high season.

          Additionally, it is noted that during these three months, the number of Asian tourists remains strong, prompting plans to increase flights on the Bangkok-Hong Kong and Bangkok-Seoul routes, as well as the Phuket-Hong Kong route. Regarding the potential opening of flights to the United States, a feasibility study is currently underway, and if launched within 1-2 years, new aircraft will be used for service, as this market holds significant potential that justifies the costs. Notable ASEAN tourist markets to watch include Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

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