The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) orchestrated a grand welcome at Suvarnabhumi Airport for the arrival of IndiGo Flight 6E 1639 from New Delhi, India.
This marked the commencement of a special initiative granting Indian passport holders and travellers with Indian travel documents a temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay in Thailand for tourism purposes.
Thailand’s Warm Embrace
Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, expressed the significance of the event, stating;
“This special airport ceremony symbolizes Thailand’s warm invitation to Indian tourists, encouraging them to make the most of the tourist visa exemption over the next six months. It underscores the Thai government’s dedication to streamlining visa and immigration processes for foreign tourists, particularly during this peak season.”
The airport ceremony was graced by notable figures, including H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand, and Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific.
Extended Visa Exemption Period
From November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, Thailand is extending a temporary visa exemption, allowing Indian tourists a 30-day stay for the purpose of tourism. This initiative follows similar short-term stimulus visa schemes implemented for Chinese and Russian tourists.
Must Read: Exploring Thailand: A Guide for Indian Travellers on Visa-Free Entry
India: A Key Source Market
India ranks among Thailand’s top 10 source markets, with the first ten months of this year witnessing a notable increase of 86% in Indian tourist arrivals, totalling 1,302,483.
With the visa exemption scheme in place, TAT anticipates welcoming 1.6 million Indian tourists in 2023, contributing approximately 65.6 billion Baht in revenue.
Future Collaborations and Trade Shows
To strengthen ties, Thai tourism businesses are invited to join TAT’s participation in two major trade shows in India in 2024.
These include the Outbound Travel Market (OTM) in Mumbai from February 8 to 10 and the South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in New Delhi from February 22 to 24.
Sustainable Tourism Focus
In addition to promoting tourism, TAT is actively emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to high-value and sustainable experiences in the Indian market. Special promotion schemes will be tailored for the corporate, incentive, and wedding segments, aligning with Thai soft powers and sustainable goals.
(Source and Inputs From TAT News)
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