Thailand’s Bold New Visa-Free Policy Is Surging Indian Tourist Arrivals

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Thailand’s Bold New Visa-Free Policy Is Surging Indian Tourist Arrivals​

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Indian travelers are flocking to Thailand in record numbers, marking a surge in tourism unlike ever before. Drawn by its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences, Thailand has become a top destination for Indian tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

During the April to June period, a remarkable 1.16 million passengers traveled between India and Thailand via direct flights, according to data provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This substantial movement of travelers highlights the growing popularity of Thailand as a preferred destination for Indian tourists. The surge in travel is driven by various factors, including Thailand’s vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and easy connectivity between the two countries. With direct flights making travel more convenient, the number of passengers taking advantage of these routes continues to rise, reflecting the increasing interest in exploring Thailand’s diverse offerings.

The high volume of passenger traffic also underscores the robust tourism ties between the two nations. Both countries benefit from these exchanges, as Thailand attracts visitors for its beaches, temples, and bustling cities, while Indian travelers are eager to explore the unique experiences it offers. The ease of travel and growing availability of direct flights make it more accessible than ever for Indians to plan trips to Thailand, contributing to a significant boost in tourism. As the tourism sector recovers, these numbers are a testament to the increasing enthusiasm for international travel, particularly between India and Thailand.

Thailand, known for its heavy reliance on tourism, made a strategic decision to include Indian nationals in its “visa-free” category starting November 10, 2023. This policy, initially set to last until May 2024, has now been extended through November 11, 2024, reflecting its success in attracting more Indian visitors. With the visa-free regime in place, Thailand has made it easier for Indian tourists to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and bustling cities without the hassle of obtaining a visa. This initiative coincided with Malaysia introducing a similar policy, creating fierce competition for Indian travelers in the region. At the same time, Indian airlines expanded their routes to Central Asia, providing even more options for eager tourists, effectively spoiling Indian travelers for choice with various international destinations now more accessible than ever.

Nearly a year into this visa-free arrangement, Thailand has seen a noticeable influx of Indian visitors. The ease of travel, coupled with an increase in flight options and attractive travel deals, has prompted many Indians to choose Thailand as their preferred getaway. Whether for short vacations or extended holidays, Indian tourists have responded enthusiastically to the relaxed visa requirements. As the program continues into its second year, the number of Indian travelers is expected to rise even further, solidifying Thailand’s position as a top destination for Indian tourists amidst growing competition in Southeast Asia.

Thailand has long been a preferred holiday destination for Indian travelers, offering the perfect combination of proximity, lively nightlife, and affordability. For Indians seeking a quick getaway or an extended vacation, Thailand’s cultural richness and accessible attractions make it an irresistible choice. Although the official figures for 2024 are still pending, last year saw 1.62 million Indians visiting Thailand, a slight decrease from pre-pandemic numbers, when 1.9 million Indian tourists made their way to this tropical haven in 2019. The gradual recovery of international travel, combined with Thailand’s appeal, is expected to see these figures climb again as restrictions ease and travel patterns normalize.

In the first half of this year, Thailand welcomed 1.04 million Indian tourists, signaling a strong likelihood of surpassing the 2019 visitor numbers. India has emerged as the fourth-largest source market for tourism in Thailand, following Malaysia, China, and South Korea. While India may not be competing with the top three markets in terms of sheer volume, the growing number of Indians traveling abroad highlights the increasing popularity of international trips among Indian travelers.

The visa-free policy, along with targeted marketing efforts, has played a significant role in driving this surge in Indian tourism to Thailand. By eliminating visa barriers, Thailand has made it easier for Indian tourists to visit, encouraging more frequent and spontaneous trips. This growth underscores the expanding footprint of Indian travelers globally, as well as Thailand’s success in tapping into this key market, positioning itself as a favored destination for Indian tourists.

According to exclusive data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, shared with HindustanTimes.com, airlines have significantly increased their flights between India and Thailand, adding 81 more weekly frequencies this November compared to the same period last year when the visa-free program was first implemented. By November, there will be a total of 355 weekly flights between the two countries, with 64,880 seats available in each direction. This increase reflects the growing demand for travel between India and Thailand, driven in part by the relaxed visa regulations.

A total of sixteen airports in India and three in Thailand contribute to the air connectivity between the two nations. Indian airlines are set to operate 145 weekly flights, while Thai airlines will manage 185 weekly flights in each direction. In terms of seat availability, Indian carriers will offer 25,694 seats per week, while Thai carriers will provide 38,950 seats. The leading airlines on these routes include Thai Airways with 80 weekly flights in both directions, IndiGo with 79, and Thai AirAsia operating 68 weekly flights each way. This robust connectivity underscores the growing demand for travel between India and Thailand.

This year, Air India introduced flights to Phuket, aiming not only to serve Indian travelers but also to cater to European visitors heading to Phuket with a brief layover in Delhi. Additionally, there has been ongoing speculation about the potential for Indian airlines to expand their network by adding more Thai destinations in the near future, reflecting the increasing demand for connectivity between the two countries.

Air India’s recent expansion into Thailand has significantly enhanced its connectivity, enabling the airline to funnel a greater volume of passengers through its Delhi hub. This strategic move facilitates smoother travel for individuals journeying to various global destinations from Thailand. Concurrently, Thai airlines, including Thai AirAsia and Thai Airways, are leveraging the increased traffic to target Indian travelers heading to destinations across America, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and China. These connections are primarily routed through Bangkok’s two major airports. Notably, both Thai Airways and Air India are members of the Star Alliance network, which underscores their shared commitment to enhancing global connectivity and offering seamless travel experiences to their passengers.