Have you ever imagined purchasing a flight to Bangkok and getting a free domestic flight? That's what Thailand is preparing to offer its international visitors as part of an unprecedented tourism campaign aimed at revitalizing the sector and attracting millions of tourists again.
Details of the new tourism initiative
Thai authorities plan to distribute 200 free tickets to incoming air travelers, allowing them to travel within the country at no additional cost. The initiative, called "Buy International Flights, Get Free Domestic Flights," will run for three months (from September to November) once it is officially approved by the Cabinet.
Government support and economic stimulus
The government covers the cost of up to 1,750 Thai baht (about €40) for a single trip or 3,500 baht (€80) for a round trip, with free baggage allowance of up to 20 kg. The move is expected to generate more than €200 million in revenue, against a government budget of €16 million.
Encouragement to discover new destinations
The campaign aims not only to increase visitor numbers, but also to guide them to discover places beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, such as lesser-known provinces that boast historic temples, local markets, and untouched islands.
Six Thai airlines have announced their participation in the initiative, including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and VietJet.
Challenges facing Thai tourism
Despite these efforts, the tourism sector still faces significant challenges. The country has recorded only about 20.8 million visitors since the beginning of the year, a 7% decrease from last year and below the announced target of 33 million tourists. Several recent security incidents have also tarnished Thailand's image as a safe destination.
Additional steps to attract tourists
In addition to this initiative, the government has taken other measures, such as postponing entry fees, facilitating visas for Chinese tourists, and issuing special visas for digital workers. It has even floated the controversial idea of establishing casinos as an additional attraction.
