Imagine stepping off your plane and finding yourself engulfed by the awe-inspiring beauty of Phuket, an island where sapphire waters kiss golden shores and adventures await at every turn. That dreamy experience could soon be a vibrant reality for Saudi travelers, thanks to some visionary discussions led by none other than Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the esteemed TAT governor. On a particularly industrious Wednesday, Thapanee found herself in the grandiose city of Riyadh, meeting with the big guns of the Middle Eastern aviation powerhouse – Saudia Airlines.
Picture this scene: Thapanee, in all her professional glory, exchanging firm handshakes with Wael Basaffar, the sage adviser to the airline’s vice president, and Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab, the pioneering general manager of Saudia’s central sales division. The air buzzed with potential as they delved into the possibility of a direct flight from Riyadh to the tropical haven of Phuket. The conversation was nothing short of excitement, with proposals fluttering like palm leaves in the island breeze.
Let’s amp up the intrigue by introducing the marketing campaign that could redefine international travel: “Two Kingdoms, One Happiness”. The strategy is as refreshing as a Phuket sea breeze, poised to connect the historic marvels of the Dead Sea with the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket. The plan, Thapanee hinted, bears the fruit of mutual cultural celebration and boundless joy for travelers.
The governor’s masterstroke continued as she pitched the idea of TAT establishing a foothold in Riyadh. With the invitation extended to Saudia for joining the revered Thailand Travel Mart Plus fair in Bangkok, Thapanee painted a picture of harmonious synergy, promising increased footfalls of Saudi globetrotters on Thai soil. Imagine the splendor as they immerse themselves in the land of smiles, spurred on by the warm welcome of the fair and Saudia’s esteemed presence.
As if the potential for cultural exchange wasn’t enticing enough, Thapanee laid out another royal flush. She boasted about Thailand’s privilege cards—a golden ticket for Saudi’s affluent travelers, designed to allure them into lingering longer, experiencing more, and essentially, weaving the fabric of their escapades deeper into the Thai landscape.
Let’s swirl in some numbers to give your imagination a base: TAT has its sights set high with the hopes of being graced by over 300,000 Saudi visitors in the year 2024. “That,” Thapanee would declare with a spark in her eye, “would channel a staggering 27.68 billion baht into our vibrant economy.” With 2023 poised to welcome roughly 178,000 Saudi sojourners, raking in an impressive 17.12 billion baht, the stage is set for a tale of tourism like no other.
The detail that truly dazzles is the revelation that Saudi tourists don’t just visit; they embrace Thailand with an average stay of 14.55 days, spending roughly 92,251 baht per journey. These astonishing figures outshine those of European and American visitors, placing Saudis in a league of their own as connoisseurs of the Thai experience.
Woven into this exciting tapestry is Saudia’s own tale of connectivity—presently, the airline unfurls its wings seven times a week to Bangkok from Jeddah and thrice from Riyadh. But that’s hardly the end of this story.
Let’s venture south to the pulsating heart of Phuket, where TAT’s diligent office has heralded a delightful upsurge in Indian arrivals. The catalyst here is Air India’s recent decision to chart a New Delhi-to-Phuket route. Since December 15th, Air India’s A320 Neo aircraft have been soaring through the skies, ferrying eager explorers to their idyllic destination four times a week—with plans for daily flights taking wing in the near future.
Joining the ranks of the enchanted are 1.5 million Indian tourists, captivated this year by Thai treasures such as Bangkok, Chonburi, and the enchanting Krabi and Phang Nga. It’s a mosaic of diverse travel tales, brought to life by strategic air routes and the shared love of discovery.
So, as we envision the flourishing partnership between TAT, Saudia Airlines, and Air India, one thing is clear: the skies are not just a pathway but a promise—a promise of cultural exchange, economic blossoming, and the ever-growing chapter of Thailand as a beacon for travelers worldwide.
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