The number of passengers at six international airports during the past 12 months has reached 139 million, up 8% from the year before.
According to the Airports of Thailand, about 59.6%, or 84 million people, were international passengers. The number rose 11%. The remaining 59 million were domestic passengers, up 4.4%.
The total number of flights increased 6.2%, to 875,000 flights a year, of which more than half, or 462,230, were international routes.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has welcomed 63 million passengers, up 6.3% and much higher than its capacity of 45 million passengers a year.
Don Mueang Airport received 40 million passengers, up 9.1%. The total number of passengers was also higher than its capacity of 30 million passengers.
Phuket Airport welcomed 18 million passengers, up 12.5%, while Chiang Mai Airport had 11 million passengers, increasing 8.4%.
Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai had welcomed about 3 million passengers, up 17.6%. Hat Yai Airport in Songkhla, however, saw a 1.9% decline. The total number of passengers was 4 million.
The top 10 tourists from the six airports were visitors from China, South Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Russia, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore and Britain.
Gastronomic-tourism guide
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the Hello Taste Thailand guidebook to promote gastronomic programmes.
It also worked with local tour companies, including Local Alike, Siam Rise Travel, Black Rice and Friday Trip to develop 10 routes as samples for tourists to try.
"The Hello Taste Thailand guidebook opens a new chapter of gastronomic tourism to a new generation of travelling foodies who place eating well on the top of their mind among the travel experiences they crave," said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.
The 10 gastronomic routes include programmes in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Surat Thani. There are also places to visit for tasty local food in the provinces.
The guidebook can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/2APW0fd.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Thai AirAsia will launch its first direct flight between Khon Kaen and U-Tapao airport in Rayong on Dec 21.
The flight will be available four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The departure time from U-Tapao will be 7am and the arrival time in Khon Kaen will be 8am. The return flight from Khon Kaen will be at 8.25am and the flight will arrive at U-Tapao at 9.25am.
The new route will be the fifth city that AirAsia flies from Khon Kaen. The present destinations are Bangkok (five daily flights), Phuket (four), Chiang Mai (two) and Hat Yai (three flights a week).
Visit http://www.airasia.com.
- Emirates will launch a "biometric path" in Dubai International airport.
The airline's passengers will soon be able to check in for their flights, complete immigration formalities, use its lounge, and board the flights by using a mix of facial and iris recognition, replacing the paper process.
The equipment has been installed and clearly marked to identify the use of the technology for passengers at select check-in counters in Emirates Terminal 3, the Emirates Lounge in Concourse B and at select boarding gates.
The Smart Tunnel, which is in the trial process, will allow passengers to walk through a tunnel and are "cleared" by immigration authorities without the need for a physical passport stamp.
The biometric path will improve customer experience and customer flow through the airport with fewer document checks and less queuing, according to Emirates.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATES
- Dusit Thani Hua Hin has launched the Bonus Night Encore promotion.
Available until Dec 17, the offer includes a free extra night when booking at least two nights via its website.
Room rates start at 3,400 baht per night per room.
Visit http://dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin/specialoffers/bonus-night-encore.
- Chiva-Som has reopened after the six months' closure for renovation.
The resort has added Thai Pavilion suites, which can accommodate up to six guests, as well as refurbished Emerald rooms, lounge, library, fitness centre and spa. The beachfront resort is located in the town of Hua Hin and is about 10km south from Hua Hin Airport.
Visit http://chivasom.com.
- Akyra Manor Chiang Mai has launched a "Ladies Only" promotion to attract solo female travellers.
Located on Nimmanhemin 9, the 30-suite boutique hotel offers a four-day package with various activities including the "Art Of Hospitality" course, wherein guests receive an introduction to floral art, lessons on how to make canapés and a selection of special cocktails. Included in the package is a painting class with a local artist.
Prices start at 23,180 baht net for single occupancy.
Visit http://theakyra.com/chiang-mai/promotions/female-traveler.
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