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| (L-R) Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Titipun Pettrakul, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tanes Petsuwan, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, TAT representatives (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) underscore their strong partnership as both aims to spur demand for travel between the two countries. The reinforced collaboration is AirAsia Philippines’ push to sustain the demand for its Manila-Bangkok (DMK) route which claimed the top spot among the airline’s preferred and most profitable international destinations in Q4 of 2022. The route posted an average of 82 percent load factor from September to November, going above the overall international average load factor of 71 percent in the same period. Passengers flying to DMK from October to November are already twice the Q3 2022 total. The world’s best low-cost airline has increased its flight frequency to Don Mueang International Airport from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to 11 times weekly in November.
AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla shares, “It is an honor to be working closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand as we remain aggressive in the promotion of the country as a viable leisure destination for Filipinos. We are greatly inspired by the relaxation of Thai border protocols which immensely improved guest interest and confidence to travel to the Land of Smiles. We are closing 2022 with 11x weekly flights to Bangkok – twice every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – to accommodate the fast-growing Filipino foot traffic to Thailand.” TAT, while leveraging the popularity of established destinations in cities like Bangkok, is keen on pushing for other high-potential tourist magnets in Thailand such as gastronomy tourism. In a press briefing held at the Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok, TAT also encouraged tourists to travel during the weekday to decongest and reduce environmental and cultural wear and tear as it promotes a more sustainable tourism ecosystem. TAT's Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Asia and South Pacific Tanes Petsuwan shares, “We wish to deliver fresh travel experiences through new segments like sustainable and responsible tourism and health and wellness; while still highlighting Thailand’s strength in nature, food, and culture. TAT aims to create a meaningful travel experience that will not only be meaningful for travelers but also for the communities and the environment. We are actively encouraging tourists to engage with the people of Thailand as we want to reconnect with the world.”
AirAsia Philippines, in enticing more travelers to visit Thailand, is offering a Php1,612 one-way base fare for bookings made until January 8, 2023. Likewise, a one-way base fare of ฿1,173 is also offered for DMK-MNL bookings for travels until June 30, 2023. AirAsia Philippines reminds its guests to regularly visit the airasia flysafe page for updates on flight schedules and travel protocols. Guests flying to Bangkok may book via the airasia website or the airasia Super App.
