JAKARTA: Thailand is strengthening its tourism links with Indonesia through agreements with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka, as it seeks to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed separate memoranda of understanding with the Indonesian airline and the regional travel platform at the Fairmont Jakarta on Tuesday (Aug 4), during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to Indonesia.
The agreements were signed by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TransNusa Aviation Group chief executive Datuk Bernard Francis and Traveloka co-founder Albert Zhang, with Anutin and members of the Thai delegation witnessing the ceremony.
TransNusa is scheduled to begin operating two daily flights between Jakarta and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday (August 6). A direct service linking Bali and Phuket is due to start on Sept 9.
TAT described Indonesia as one of Thailand’s five priority tourism markets in Southeast Asia. The airline partnership will support direct air services, tourism product development and joint promotional activities intended to encourage visitors to travel beyond the country’s main destinations.
TransNusa’s private-jet services could also support TAT’s efforts to attract higher-spending travellers and increase tourism revenue. Meanwhile, the partnership with Traveloka will use the platform’s digital reach and market information to target independent travellers, families and Muslim visitors.
Thailand plans to strengthen its position as a Muslim-friendly destination by promoting Thai cuisine, historical attractions, local communities, wellness experiences and beaches to the Indonesian market.
Between January 1 and July 31, Thailand received 376,337 visitors from Indonesia, who stayed for an average of six nights. TAT expects the two partnerships to help the country reach its full-year target of 890,000 Indonesian arrivals. - The Nation/ANN
