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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Thailand ranks as top AirAsia PH int'l destination

Thailand ranks as top AirAsia PH int'l destination

Published Dec 14, 2022 11:10 am

Thailand ranks as the top international destination of AirAsia Philippines and its most profitable to date.

For its part, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) targets to haul in 150,000 Filipino tourists in the country this year and has reaffirmed its partnership with the budget carrier.

Already, AirAsia Philippines' Manila-Bangkok (via Don Mueang International Airport or DMK) route posted an average of 82 percent load factor from September to November.

This goes above the overall international average load factor of 71 percent in the same period.

Passengers flown to DMK from October to November was twice of the third quarter 2022 total.

To cater to surging demand, AirAsia Philippines increased its flight frequency to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to 11 times weekly in November.

"We are closing 2022 with 11x weekly flights to Bangkok – twice every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – to accommodate the fast-growing Filipino foot traffic to Thailand,” according to AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla.

Notably, 31,900 Filipino tourists have flown to Bangkok from January to November, 2022, a dramatic increase from 4,078 in the preceding year.

Before the pandemic, Thailand hauled in 40 million international tourists. The number plummetted to 400,000 last year.

But this 2022, a total of 10 million international tourists have visited Thailand todate, after the government relaxed travel restrictions.

From left to right: AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla with Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Thitipun Pettrakul and TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Asia & South Pacific Tanes Petsuwan

While leveraging the popularity of established destinations in cities like Bangkok, the TAT is keen on pushing for other high-potential tourist magnets in Thailand such as gastronomy tourism.

TAT is also encouraging tourists to travel during the weekday to decongest and reduce environmental and cultural wear and tear for a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.

“We wish to deliver fresh travel experiences through new segments like sustainable and responsible tourism and health and wellness while still highlighting Thailand's strength in nature, food, and culture," says Deputy Governor for International Marketing of TAT in Asia & South Pacific Tanes Petsuwan.

TAT aims to create a meaningful travel experience that will not only be meaningful for travelers but also for the communities and the environment, he stressed.

"We remain aggressive in promoting Thailand as a viable leisure destination for Filipinos," Isla pointed out.

"We are greatly inspired by the relaxation of Thai border protocols which immensely improved guest interest and confidence to travel to the Land of Smiles."

Related Tags

Thailand AIRASIA PH TOP INTL DESTINATION AIRASIA PHILIPPINES
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