18 January, 2023 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined hands with Thai AirAsia to unveil a new campaign, “Menu of New Experiences… Unforgettable Secondary Cities”, inviting travelers to start “New Chapters” in Thailand by visiting secondary tourist cities and experiencing the soft power of regional dishes. Promoting travel using both experiences and cuisine, the campaign is expected to boost visits to secondary cities when carried out this 23 January – 31 March, 2023.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that the TAT, as the lead agency for promoting tourism, is working adamantly to promote quality domestic travel among the Thai people. The 2023 “New Experiences… Unforgettable Secondary Cities” is a continuation of efforts from last year and is aimed at promoting secondary cities as attractive tourist destinations.

The concept was also designed to distribute tourism from major cities and bolster revenue for secondary cities in line with government policy to use tourism as a tool to elevate the nation’s grassroots while also aiding in the recovery of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort is focusing on the Active Senior group and Working Age group, encouraging them to find new perspectives on travel.

TAT joined hands with Thai AirAsia to carry out this campaign promoting domestic travel. Titled “Menu of New Experiences… Unforgettable Secondary Cities”, the campaign will run from 23 January – 31 March, 2023. Its aims are to build soft power by placing the focus of travel on regional local dishes and to create new experiences and perceptions using local cuisine coupled with visits to identifiable cultural sites. The campaign is expected to effectively stimulate tourism and disperse revenue to secondary cities.

Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Thailand, pointed out AirAsia has the most expansive domestic network in Thailand, which includes direct flights to secondary cities. The airline flies direct to 15 provinces, namely, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Ranong, Chumphon, Narathiwat, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Nakhon Panom, Sakon Nakhon, Buriram and Loei, all places with unique characteristics and that are ready to welcome visitors.

After visiting the secondary cities, travelers will also be able to continue onward to surrounding provinces for an even more diverse experience. Possible combinations include Nakhon Panom-Sakon Nakhon and Chumphon-Ranong, where travelers can arrive in one and depart from the other. For one day excursions, suggestions include Chiang Rai-Phayao, Udon Thani-Bueng Kan, Roi Et-Yasothon and Trang-Phatthalung.

“We want everyone to have new experiences in secondary cities, which may not be as well-known but are definitely unique and worth discovering. Each is waiting to welcome visitors looking for a different journey” Mr. Santisuk said.

The first promotion being offered under this campaign presents flights from only 888 THB per trip. Book 23-29 January, 2023 for travel from 1 February-30 September, 2023 via airasia Super App. For a promotion on AVIS rental cars, click into www.AVISThailand.com/Airasia to receive a discount of 50 THB/Day