Under the new agreement, the Abu Dhabi-based airline and TAT will jointly promote travel to Thailand from priority markets including the UAE, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Egypt, and Kuwait, as reported by TradeArabia.
Etihad Airways vice president Marketing Tim Burnell and TAT’s deputy governor Tanes Petsuwan at a commemorative event in Bangkok at the Executive Lounge, Grande Centre Point Terminal 21. They were joined by Etihad Airways senior manager Marketing, Lamya Al Nuaimi.
Burnell said: “Etihad Airways has a long and proud association with Thailand – in fact Bangkok was one of our first international routes. It continues to be one of the busiest in our network enjoying strong year-round demand, particularly from the UAE, GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe.
“With five daily flights to Thailand – four to Bangkok and one to Phuket – Etihad Airways has a significant investment in Thai tourism and the new agreement with Tourism Authority of Thailand supports and extends that commitment.
“Through innovative joint marketing campaigns, we aim to bring hundreds of thousands of first-time and repeat travellers from Europe and the Middle East to Thailand to enjoy this beautiful country and to experience the warm, friendly hospitality for which the Thai people are world-renowned.”
This year, TAT has a target of attracting 34.5 million international tourists, up 5.8 percent from 32.6 million visitors last year. The country has targeted tourism revenues of about 1.81 trillion baht (Dh189.2 billion) this year, a 10 percent increase year on year from 1.64 trillion baht.