TAT joins AirAsia in Organising “Happy Travels With New Normal Style” Stimulating Domestic Tourism with New Aviation Safety Standards

BANGKOK, 29 June 2020 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joins Thai AirAsia for a special activity taking place on the Bangkok-Krabi route on 29-30 June 2020, aimed at rebuilding confidence and revitalising domestic tourism by bringing together medical workers, tourists, business operators, and the media in a trip showcasing the readiness of airline, venues, travel destinations, hotels, and restaurants, to provide safe and hygienic service.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supasorn, pointed out that domestic travel will be an important mechanism to jumpstart the economy at both the local and national levels, adding that this event will highlight traveling under the New Normal, which focuses on adherence to healthcare advice, encouraging travellers and businesses alike to adapt and rehabilitate tourism.

The TAT's goal for this activity is supporting domestic tourism and promoting awareness of various safety practices for travelling, visiting sites and staying in accommodation, so that travellers can prepare accordingly. The authority assures that measures being promoted are straightforward and that everyone will be able to travel conveniently in the New Normal. Representatives from different sectors were invited to join in the activity, including medical professionals, travel companies and travel groups, all given the opportunity to experience present-day tourism using the concept 'BEST, wherein B: Booking - covers before, during and after travel planning, travel companions, pre-booking and social distancing; E: Environment - covers environmental conservation and social responsibility; S: Safety - covers information for decision making as well as health and hygiene and T: Technology - incorporating the use of technology to facilitate contactless tourism and greater physical distancing.

CEO of Thai AirAsia, Santisuk Klongchaiya remarked that travel and domestic spending in the nation is crucial at this time to stimulate the economy and tourism sector, affirming AirAsia's support for TAT while demonstrating to our guests how they can fly with safety, convenience and peace of mind. He called the event a great way to signal the start of the airline's full support of domestic tourism and an indication of public-private cooperation to rejuvenate the economy, especially in local economies which are so dependent on tourism revenue.

AirAsia is increasing frequency on many of its domestic routes to keep up with demand, focusing especially on tourism. From July, all of our domestic routes will be back in operation, and the highest frequency will be Don Muang to Chiang Mai, with flights up to 9 times a day. In addition, more cross-region domestic connections are to be added in our operation. At the same time, we are promoting the Unlimited Pass which is being introduced from today to stimulate travel from July to December 2020 in line with government policy.

'We are ready to offer convenient and great value coupled with adherence to international safety standards. We are using technology to reduce contact, allowing the scanning of QR codes for online check-in. In-flight, cabin crew will wear protective gear including gloves and face masks at all times, and will enforce strict personal hygiene practices for passengers. Travellers can be confident in air travel' Santisuk said.

From July onward, AirAsia will be resuming service to all 23 of its domestic destinations, including regional connections Chiang Mai-Hat Yai, Chiang Mai-Pattaya (U-Tapao), Hat Yai-Pattaya (U-Tapao) and Khon Kaen-Hat Yai for a total 25 routes, flying 68 return trips a day in support of travel and business.