Saturday, February 24, 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and key partners from both the public and private sectors, highlighted Thailand’s tourism attractions and cultural strengths at two exclusive events: “Friends of Thailand Networking Day” and “Amazing Thailand: A Glimpse of the Land of Smiles,” which took place today in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
For these special events, TAT also collaborated with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA).
Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “Both events underscore the synergy between TAT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and correspond with the Government’s proactive economic diplomacy to promote Thai tourism in Kazakhstan. We want to highlight our tourism offerings, while leveraging Thai soft powers and the visa-free scheme to promote Thailand as the all-year-round destination.”
The event began with the “Friends of Thailand Networking Day,” featuring a delegation from Thailand that included Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, the Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing covering Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas; Mr. Nithee Seeprae, the TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications; Ms. Nathinee Chamchan, the Senior Manager for Meetings and Incentives Marketing Support and Development at TCEB; and Mr. Sarayuth Mallum, the Vice President of Government Relations at PTA. They were joined by the TAT Moscow Office’s officials and staff. The event also welcomed participants from Kazakhstan, including local tourism operators and members of the media.
The “Amazing Thailand: A Glimpse of the Land of Smiles” reception was led by Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. This occasion highlighted Thailand’s cultural charm and tourism offerings through performances celebrating Songkran and Muay Thai, exemplifying the country’s soft power and unique tourism experiences.
“As a new tourism feeder market, Kazakhstan is one of our fastest growing markets. It is also the second largest market in the Commonwealth of Independent States or CIS, after Russia,” Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, said.
In 2023, Thailand welcomed 172,489 visitors from Kazakhstan, marking a significant increase of 190% compared to the previous year. The trend continued into the early part of 2024, with arrivals from Kazakhstan reaching 45,214 between January 1 and February 15, a 14% increase from the corresponding period in 2023.
The majority of Kazakhstani tourists in Thailand are families and couples, typically spending an average of 14 days, with a preference for beach resort destinations.
Regarding flight connections, Air Astana offers regular flights on the Almaty-Bangkok and Almaty-Phuket routes, conducting seven and 11 weekly flights respectively. Additionally, Sundays Airlines (SCAT) provides charter flights to Phuket from several Kazakh cities including Almaty, Astana, Taraz, and Shymkent. From October 2023 to March 2024, the seating capacity on flights between Thailand and Kazakhstan was recorded at 153,620 seats, with an expected load factor of 95%.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
