Japans continued attraction remains strong among Thais
In the realm of international travel, Japan and Thailand continue to forge a strong bond, with an increasing number of Japanese tourists flocking to the Land of Smiles.
According to the latest data, as of August 31, the number of Japanese arrivals in Thailand has reached 712,158, marking a 6.48% year-on-year increase. This growth was accompanied by a 2.4% uptick in August alone, indicating a steady and consistent trend.
The Japan National Tourism Organization has also reported a total of 764,600 Thai visitors in the first eight months of the year, with an 8.2% increase. This reciprocal growth is a testament to the thriving relationship between the two countries.
To further boost this positive flow, Nagoya will soon host THAI and Thai AirAsia, offering direct flights from Bangkok. This development is expected to make travel more convenient for Japanese tourists, potentially attracting even more visitors.
The Tohoku region, known for its rich culture and scenic beauty, has long been a potential hotspot for increased Japanese arrivals. The region has been pushing for direct flights for several years, as Thai Airways International (THAI) stopped serving this route during the pandemic. Now, with the introduction of new flights, the Tohoku region stands to benefit significantly.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is also hopeful that new flights to Sendai will help maintain the positive flow of Japanese arrivals. Ms. Pattaraanong, the TAT's deputy governor, stated that tourists would have a more convenient travel option with direct flights to the Tohoku region, instead of catching connecting flights in Tokyo.
In addition, Thai AirAsia X has applied for a subsidy from the TAT's "Thailand Summer Blast" programme for a new route from Don Mueang airport in Bangkok to Sendai. New routes are planned for the high season, according to Pattaraanong, further strengthening the connection between the two countries.
The chartered flight subsidy programme continues to attract tour operators from China, with flights from Mongolia, Xining, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Hefei already operating in Thailand under this scheme. Participants must submit evidence of at least an 80% load factor to receive a subsidy of 350,000 baht per flight.
Japan, interestingly, is the only market in Northeast Asia posting growth, while China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are declining. This shift in tourism trends underscores the resilience and appeal of the Japan-Thailand travel corridor.
As the tourism industry recovers, the TAT is scheduled to attend Tourism Expo Japan in Aichi, further cementing its commitment to fostering this vibrant relationship. With continued efforts and strategic initiatives, the future of Japanese tourism in Thailand looks promising.
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