Bangkok, Thailand, November 4, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing the unique mega familiarization trip “Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air” for US travel agents from November 1-9, 2022, to increase demand for meaningful travel experiences in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket and improve accessibility for tourists from across the US.

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Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “With winter beginning in countries like the US, now is the perfect time to rediscover the wonders of Thailand. And with Thailand now fully open to travelers, we want to showcase our country’s new and proven offerings that will provide an unforgettable vacation. This trip is also part of our strategy to boost travel to Thailand from all 50 US states and ultimately help us reach our target of 1.5 trillion baht in international tourism revenue by 2023.”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing a mega-flight, "Experience Thailand with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air," which brings together 50 travel agents from the USA to learn about Thailand's new tourism offerings. The nine-day trip includes a diverse program in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The focus is on giving the travel agents the opportunity to discover the latest tourism products, learn about sustainable and responsible tourism practices, and meet Thai providers in person during sales meetings.

With this familiarization trip, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is employing various strategies to promote travel to Thailand during the upcoming high season months, which began in October. These include the full reopening of Thailand to international tourism, an extended length of stay for tourists, and easing entry requirements for US travelers from all 50 US states.

Thailand's national airline TAT is joining forces with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air in a unique partnership to expand travel options from the US to Thailand. The transpacific joint venture between Delta and Korean Air, established in 2018, offers efficient connections to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket via a shared network of 17 US hubs.

Mr. Akinori Yokosawa, Manager of International Specialty Sales at Delta Air Lines, stated: “By leveraging our expanding flight network in the U.S., this collaboration paves the way for an ongoing partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote travel to Thailand. Furthermore, Delta Air Lines is committed to carbon neutrality and is the world’s first carbon-neutral airline. We therefore share with the TAT the common goal of truly responsible tourism and support their plans to develop Thailand into an experience-driven and sustainable tourism destination.”

Mr. Jongmin Kim, Regional Manager (Thailand, Laos, Pakistan, Nepal) of Korean Air, said: “The collaboration with Delta Air Lines and TAT will help improve the accessibility of Thailand for tourists from across the USA on board our flights with excellent service.”

Since October 1, 2022, visitors to Thailand no longer need proof of vaccination or an ATK test. Until March 31, 2023, the permitted length of stay for tourists from visa-free countries/territories (including the USA) has been extended from 30 to 45 days, and for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) from 15 to 30 days.

The United States is one of Thailand's most important source markets for tourists, and US travelers typically spend significant amounts per person during their stay in Thailand. Revitalizing this and other key markets is a top priority for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as it aims to maximize revenue while supporting Thailand's efforts towards more sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly tourism.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates up to 10 million international visitors to Thailand in 2022. The kingdom is currently in its peak season and has already welcomed over 7 million tourists between January 1st and October 26th, 2022. Thailand is aiming for total tourism revenue of 1.5 trillion baht from the international market in 2023.

The mega-information trip “Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air,” organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is supported by leading Thai airlines and hotels, including Bangkok Airways, the AWC partner hotels, the RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai, the Capella Bangkok, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, the COMO Point Yamu, The Peninsula Bangkok, and the Melia Chiang Mai. The Marriott Marquis Queen's Park Bangkok, the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, and the RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai will serve as venues for the sales events.