Big campaign from Thailand: 200,000 free domestic flight tickets

Thailand is preparing to launch a striking campaign to reverse its tourism slump. After experiencing a 6 percent drop in international visitors in the first seven months of the year, the government plans to offer free domestic flights to international tourists.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced on August 20 that he will request a budget of 700 million baht (about $19.5 million) from the Cabinet for a new campaign called “ Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights.”

Minister Sorawong stated that the app could attract at least 200,000 international tourists to destinations other than Bangkok , Phuket and Chiang Mai , adding, "We want our visitors to see not only major cities but also UNESCO heritage cities and unexplored regions."

Details of the campaign

Under the plan, passengers who purchase international flights to Thailand will receive two free domestic tickets through partner airlines and online travel agencies. The tickets can be used one-way or round-trip and include a 20-kilogram baggage allowance.

The campaign is expected to launch before the end of August, subject to prompt approval, with award tickets available between September and November. These dates coincide with Thailand 's traditional peak season.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will partner with six airlines to run the campaign : Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet . Government subsidies will be capped at 1,750 baht ($49) for a one-way trip and 3,500 baht ($98) for a round-trip.

Expectation of contribution to the economy

Authorities expect the campaign to generate at least $246 million in direct tourism spending and a total economic impact of 21.8 billion baht ($609 million).

Minister Sorawong, recalling that a similar program had previously been implemented by Japan to direct tourists to destinations outside major cities in the post -COVID-19 era, said, "This campaign is about stimulating both tourism and the economy. We want to show visitors all the beauty of Thailand ."