Bangkok: The government is aggressively targeting the Middle Eastern tourist market, holding a roadshow on July 7-8 to boost bookings during the high season.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytale Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is expanding its tourism market in the Middle East through a strategic collaboration with flydubai airline. The inaugural Dubai-Bangkok flight will commence on July 1, 2026. This will be followed by promotional activities under the "Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026" project, with events on July 7, 2026, in Dubai and July 8, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The aim is to expand the market, connect tourism partners, attract high-spending, quality tourists to Thailand, and reinforce Thailand's role as a leading destination for Middle Eastern tourists.
Ms. Ploytalee stated that data shows the Middle East market, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of the most strategically important long-haul tourist markets with high spending potential. Between January 1 and June 21, 2026, 188,447 tourists from the Middle East visited Thailand, spending an average of over 100,000 baht per person per trip. They typically stay in Thailand for 10-12 nights, preferring 5-star hotels and luxury resorts, and often travel in large family groups. Furthermore, this market has a high re-visit rate of 65%, reflecting their confidence in the quality of Thailand's tourist attractions and services.
"Expanding the tourist base from the Middle East by opening a new flight route from Dubai International Airport to Don Mueang Airport is a significant step in enhancing Thailand's seat capacity. With a frequency of one flight per day, and plans to increase to two flights per day from September 15, 2026, onwards, this will add approximately 10,292 new seats to Thailand during the summer season (July - August 31, 2026). Furthermore, it will stimulate travel and accommodate the continued growth of tourists from the Middle East market, from the launch of the new route until the end-of-year peak season, reinforcing Thailand's role as a leading destination for Middle Eastern tourists," Ms. Ploytalee stated.