Thailand is considering bringing back an idea for free domestic flights for foreign tourists as authorities try to protect the tourism sector from fallout linked to the war in the Middle East, Thai media reports
Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on 13 March that TAT plans to propose a “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” campaign to the new government. Under the idea, foreign visitors flying to Thailand would receive free return domestic tickets.
The proposal comes as Thai tourism officials monitor how the conflict in the Middle East could affect long-haul travel, airline operations and visitor confidence. TAT is also preparing a tourism war room and a new dashboard to track flights, fuel prices, operating costs, seat capacity and tourist sentiment.
At the same time, TAT is looking at ways to reduce the impact of any drop in arrivals from the Middle East, Europe and the United States. The agency wants to expand short-haul markets in Asia, while also discussing with Airports of Thailand how unused airport slots could be reassigned to other airlines.
Thai authorities are also considering more support measures for the sector, including airline incentives, tourism-linked co-payment schemes and soft loans for businesses. TAT says it will continue promoting Thailand as a safe destination while trying to keep international arrivals stable.
