Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa International Marketing, said these new flight routes will support growing demand from European travellers to Thailand during the tourism high season at the end of this year and next year, reports the Bangkok Post.
The long-haul market’s growth was driven by TAT’s airline-focused promotional plan with its alliance carriers. The plan’s objective is to increase the number of flights landing in Thailand, Ms Chiravadee said. Norse Atlantic Airways, the Norway-based carrier, launched its inaugural flights to two destinations in Thailand in October, three of which made their first landing in Bangkok: a Stockholm-Bangkok route on Oct 23, a London Gatwick-Bangkok route on Oct 27, and a Manchester-Bangkok route on Nov 27.
Norse Atlantic Airways became the first carrier to operate the Manchester-Bangkok route, with one flight scheduled per week. Two other direct flights to Phuket have begun operating: the Stockholm-Phuket flight NO195, launched on Dec 5, and the Oslo-Phuket flight NO95, which launched on Dec 9. Both flights can carry up to 338 passengers each and are scheduled to operate once per week.
Norse Atlantic Airways’ flights to Thailand reflect the growth of the European market’s demand for travel to Thailand, emphasising Thailand’s status as the most popular destination not only in Europe but also in the Scandinavian market, Ms Chiravadee said.
The Scandinavian market is among the high-potential markets for growth. Thailand has welcomed 185,580 Swedish visitors, a 9.52% increase, and 104,618 Norwegian tourists, a 13.06% increase, from Jan 1 to Dec 7 this year. Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, and Chiang Mai are the top destinations for Scandinavian tourists. Warm weather, local foods, and friendly Thais are the main drawcards, said TAT.