"Amazing Thailand" in Almaty promotes Thai tourism in Kazakhstan through events

Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and strategic partners in the public and private sectors, showcased tourism offerings and " Soft Powers" of Thailand as part of the "Thailand Friends Networking Day" and "Amazing Thailand: A Look at the Land of Smiles" held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

On both special occasions, TAT also worked together with the Thailand Bureau Congresses and Exhibitions (TCEB) and the Phuket Tourism Association (PTA).

The event began with the “Thailand Friends Networking Day”. The Thai delegation was represented by Mr. Thanes Petsuwan, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Siripakorn Chewsamut, TAT Deputy Manager for International Marketing - Europe, Africa, Middle East and America; Mr. Niti Seeprae, Deputy Manager, Marketing Communications, TAT; Ms. Natini Chamchan, Senior Manager, Marketing Support and Meetings and Incentives Development, TCEB; and Mr. Sarayuth Mallum, PTA Vice President for Government Relations, as well as officials and employees of the TAT Moscow office. Participants from Kazakhstan included local tourism operators and members of the press.

The “Amazing Thailand: A Look at the Land of Smiles” reception was chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Jakkapong Sangmani. The event showcased Thailand's soft power and tourism expertise through Songkran and Muay Thai cultural performances.

“As a new tourism market, Kazakhstan is one of our fastest growing markets. It is also the second largest market in the Commonwealth of Independent States or CIS after Russia,” said Mr. Siripakorn Cheusamut, TAT Deputy Manager for International Marketing for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

In 2023, Thailand recorded 172,489 visitors from Kazakhstan, an increase of 190% compared to 2022. From January 1 to February 15, 2024, this number increased by 14% compared to the same period in 2023 to 45,214 arrivals.

The majority of Kazakh travelers to Thailand are families and couples. They stayed an average of 14 days, mostly at seaside resorts.

In terms of air access, Air Astana operates scheduled flights on the Almaty-Bangkok and Almaty-Phuket routes, operating seven and 11 flights per week respectively. Meanwhile, Sundays Airlines (SCAT) operates charter flights to Phuket from Almaty, Astana, Taraz and Shymkent. Capacity between Thailand and Kazakhstan during October 2023 to March 2024 is 153,620 seats with an expected occupancy rate of 95%.

Source: tatnews