Phuket, 27 March, 2017 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is offering its full support to Thai Airways International (THAI) as the airline inaugurates its first four-weekly Beijing-Phuket flight today, by co-hosting a familiarisation trip for travel agents and members of the media from the People’s Republic of China. The 3-day fam trip, which will explore the natural and cultural attractions of Phuket, is taking place from today to 29 March.
Ms. Bangornrat Chinaprayoon, Director of TAT Beijing Office said, “This new THAI route is vital as Phuket becomes ever more popular with tourists and travellers from China who can now conveniently come here for weekends, knowing they’ll find the world’s best beaches, a warm welcome, and unique local experiences that will provide amazing memories.
“Phuket is a high quality, must-see tropical destination and this new air access will allow tourists from our largest market to fly here directly with no hassles and start enjoying the beach and local culture as soon as they touch down,” She added.
THAI is operating four flights per week on the new Beijing-Phuket route, using a 264-seat Dreamliner B787. The route is being promoted under a “Phuket Express” campaign, leveraging the fact that tourists and travellers from China can now fly direct to the holiday island.
With flights incoming from Beijing on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and outgoing flights on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, the service will allow travellers from Beijing to fly to Phuket for long weekend visits, arriving in on Friday morning and leaving Sunday evening to be back at work on Monday. The flight time is about 5 hours and 35 minutes for both the incoming and outgoing flights.
THAI is promoting the new Phuket Express to couples and tour groups who appreciate Phuket’s romantic ambience, and high quality tourist attractions and destinations. Special fares are currently available for couples from now until 30 June, 2017.
Meanwhile, the Fam Trip co-hosted by TAT and THAI will showcase the best of Phuket’s natural and cultural attractions and its luxurious resort hotels. Travel agents and media members will also have the chance to sample some of the island province’s signature dishes. The trip will be based at the Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, which is said to have one of the best settings on Phuket.
TAT has five offices in the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, and Guangzhou, which are responsible for promoting and marketing Thailand to Chinese tourists and travellers. In 2017, TAT expects Thailand to attract at least 9 million visitors from the People’s Republic of China and generate some 570 billion Baht for the Thai tourism industry.
