Thailand: five new links with Europe boost tourism

Norse Atlantic Airways has set up five new air links between Europe, Bangkok and Phuket.

After Air France's new route between Paris and Phuket at the end of November, it's now Norse Atlantic Airways' turn, a Norwegian-based airline, to facilitate flights to the kingdom.

See: New direct flight Paris–Phuket: Air France facilitates travel to Thailand

New European routes to support the high tourist season

Plane in the sky seen from the ground.

Chiravadee Khunsub, Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Europe, America, the Middle East and Africa, said:

“These new air links will meet the growing demand from European travelers to Thailand during the high tourist season at the end of this year and next year.”

The long-haul market growth has been driven by the TAT's airline-focused promotion plan with its partner carriers.

The goal of this plan is to increase the number of flights landing in Thailand, said Ms. Chiravadee.

Norse Atlantic Airways expands its network to Bangkok

Aircraft of Norse Atlantic Airways. Photo: Bangkok Post

Norse Atlantic Airways launched its first flights to two destinations in Thailand in October, with three landing for the first time in Bangkok:

1. A Stockholm-Bangkok link on October 23
2. A London Gatwick-Bangkok link on October 27
3. A Manchester-Bangkok link on November 27

Norse Atlantic Airways has become the first airline to operate the Manchester-Bangkok route, with a weekly flight.

Two other direct flights to Phuket have begun operating:

1. Flight NO195 Stockholm-Phuket, launched on December 5
2. Flight NO95 Oslo-Phuket, launched on Tuesday

These two flights can carry up to 338 passengers each and are scheduled once a week.

Norse Atlantic Airways' flights to Thailand reflect the growing demand from the European market for travel to Thailand.

They also highlight Thailand's status as the most popular destination not only in Europe but also in the Scandinavian market, said Ms. Chiravadee.

A Scandinavian market in strong growth

Western tourists in a temple in Thailand. Photo: Oneinchpunch.

The Scandinavian market is one of the markets with high growth potential.

Thailand welcomed 185,580 Swedish visitors, an increase of 9.52%, and 104,618 Norwegian tourists, an increase of 13.06%, between January 1 and December 7 this year.

Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) and Chiang Mai are the preferred destinations of Scandinavian tourists.

The warm climate, local cuisine and Thai hospitality are the main attractions, according to the TAT.

These new air connections confirm the rise of the European market and strengthen Thailand's position as a must-visit destination this winter.

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Source: Bangkok Post