Tourexpi
The
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is showcasing its role as a driver of
regional cooperation at the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2025
(4–6 September). Under the vision of “The New Thailand”, the country aims not
only to attract travellers but also to build political, economic, and cultural
bridges across Southeast Asia.
Ministerial
perspective on regional responsibility
Speaking
at the ministerial session, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said:
“Thailand
is determined to move ASEAN tourism forward by deepening cooperation, expanding
flight connections, and creating experiences that reflect our cultural richness
and sustainable practices. Our presence in Ho Chi Minh City reaffirms
Thailand’s role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of travel.”
Her
participation in the panel “Shaping the Future of Tourism: Embracing Digital
and Green Transformation” further underlined Thailand’s commitment to regional
dialogue on sustainable growth.
Thailand
Pavilion showcases diversity
Six
Thai tourism businesses are represented at the pavilion, including Maple Hotel,
Urbana Langsuan Hotel, Lark Holidays, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Phuket Jet Tour,
and SAii Hotels & Resorts Thailand with Santiburi Koh Samui. Visitors can
explore Thai heritage through live demonstrations of Lai Yang fabric painting,
DIY rosebud keychains, and traditional costumes from Phetchaburi.
Five
must-do experiences
TAT’s
“5 Must Do in Thailand” campaign targets Vietnamese travellers with highlights
ranging from Bangkok’s vibrant street food and Michelin-starred dining to
adventure activities such as tandem skydiving in Rayong. Cultural festivals
like Loi Krathong in Sukhothai and major international events – Tomorrowland
Thailand 2026, Rolling Loud, Wonderfruit, and the Honda LPGA Thailand – add
further variety.
Preparing
for 50 years of relations
In
2026, Thailand and Vietnam will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their
diplomatic relations. The campaign “Thái Lan, càng hiểu càng yêu” (“the more
you know, the more you love”) will feature exclusive promotions and group
travel benefits to mark the occasion. Vietnam is already one of Thailand’s most
important short-haul markets. TAT forecasts that Vietnamese arrivals will reach
at least 900,000 by 2026.
Expanding
air links
Five
airlines – Thai Airways, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Vietravel
Airlines – are operating more than 13,400 flights this year between six
Vietnamese cities and Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. A new Bangkok–Hai Phong
service, launched by AirAsia in July, has further expanded the network.
Building
trust and sustainability
To
boost traveller confidence, TAT has introduced the Trusted Thailand
certification, setting clear standards for safety, communication, and transport
access. Nationwide initiatives include a Tourist Police mobile app, expanded
CCTV systems, and additional traveller support.
At
the same time, sustainable practices are being advanced through the STAR
programme (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating), the CF-Hotels emissions
tool, and the Thailand Tourism Awards, which recognise outstanding operators in
quality and sustainability.
Image
Credit: © TAT
The most interesting news


Miles & More introduces miles and Points for CO₂-offsetting packages
Members can now collect additional miles and Points when booking CO₂-offsetting packages – moving faster towards frequent flyer status while contributing to more sustainable flying


For its anniversary year: Lufthansa reinvents the onboard experience
With FOX – Future Onboard Experience – Lufthansa will introduce more individuality, comfort and signature moments on long-haul flights from spring 2026


UN Tourism to Launch First Tourism Law Observatory in the Middle East
The new Observatory will act as a knowledge hub to strengthen and harmonize tourism legislation across the region


Ryanair to open new Trapani-Marsala base in January 2026
Two aircraft, 23 routes – including 11 new destinations – and over one million passengers annually: Ryanair expands in Sicily after the scrapping of the Municipal Tax at smaller airports


Çameli Joins the Cittaslow Network – Türkiye Now Counts 27 Member Towns
In southern Denizli, Çameli has been awarded the international Cittaslow label. The region stands out for its pristine nature, traditions, and commitment to sustainable living


Travelport integrates automated commission tool to boost agent revenue
Through a new partnership with Farenexus, Travelport+ now offers real-time commission visibility, helping agencies increase profitability, reduce errors, and make smarter bookings


Eurowings Marketplace launches direct booking for codeshare flights
For the first time, customers can search, book, and check in for codeshare flights directly via the Eurowings website and app. AEGEAN Airlines and Smartwings are the first partners to join


TAT to host the second DNA Travel and Fair 2025 in Bangkok this October
From 9–12 October, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will showcase Thailand’s subcultures with five lifestyle zones, immersive experiences, and live performances


Spain: 10 new Festivals of National and International Tourist Interest recognised
During World Tourism Week, Spain adds six festivals of national significance and four of international significance to its official list, now totalling 164 and 86 respectively


Star Princess delivered to Princess Cruises at Fincantieri shipyard
The second Sphere-Class newbuild will debut in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean and Alaska


Lufthansa unveils special livery for 100th anniversary
A Boeing 787-9 will debut a centennial design in December 2025, marking the start of Lufthansa’s anniversary year 2026


Nature, adventure and rare routes: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launches sold-out Great Lakes season
High demand prompts five-cruise expansion in 2027 as HANSEATIC inspiration navigates rare inland waterways


Asia-Pacific highlights smart and sustainable growth at UN Tourism-PATA Forum
19th edition in Guilin focuses on data-driven policies, innovation, and regional recovery


Turkish Airlines orders up to 225 Boeing aircraft
The national flag carrier has placed a major order for widebody and narrowbody jets, aiming to modernize its fleet and expand capacity through 2035


Lufthansa Group to cut 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030 as part of digital transformation
Job reductions tied to efficiency drive, automation, and structural streamlining; Group sets new financial targets for 2028–2030


Ryanair Confirms November 12 as Start Date for 100 Percent Digital Boarding Passes
Europe’s number one airline will phase out paper passes after the autumn holiday period to ensure a smooth transition for passengers


Experiential tourism at the core of the 5th Turespaña Convention in Cáceres
From 7–9 October, Cáceres will host Spain’s main tourism forum under the theme “Experiences that transform: building better tourism”. The focus: sustainability, innovation and authentic experiences


World Rivers Day: Agoda Showcases Asia’s Most Captivating Waterways
From Vietnam’s Perfume River to Indonesia’s brilliantly blue Kali Biru – Agoda highlights river destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage and local life


Delta adds nonstop service from New York to Porto
Starting May 21, 2026, Delta will connect New York-JFK with Porto, Portugal, offering direct access to one of Europe’s most vibrant coastal cities


Princess Ubolratana confers Thailand Tourism Awards on 151 winners
The 15th Thailand Tourism Awards marked three decades of industry recognition, with new Sustainability Awards reflecting global travel priorities


Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin blends nature, design and luxury
Autumn in Tianjin brings golden light and nostalgic charm
