Bangkok Airways fleet boost

Bangkok Airways has expanded its fleet to 29 aircraft after taking delivery of its latest 70-seater ATR72-600 aircraft. Fitted with larger overhead compartments, the aircraft will service domestic routes between Bangkok and Koh Samui, Sukhothai, Trat and Siem Reap. The airline has also announced new direct services linking the northern city of Chiang Mai with Phuket, Undo Thani and Mandalay and Yangon in Myanmar. Bangkok Airways expects the new services will support “growing demand” for air travel

How well does Thailand sell at your agency?

We sell quite a bit of Thailand as it’s a popular destination for Australians. Most consultants have been to Thailand and travelled extensively, and consequently have seen quite a few regions in Thailand from Chiang Mai to Phuket and Koh Samui.

Did last year’s coup have any effect on sales, either in the short or long-term?

The coup had a limited effect on our office. Passengers still wanted to travel to Thailand so we took them with Singapore Airlines via Singapore or Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines. and an increase in passenger numbers ahead of the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community later this year. It will also provide better flight connections for passengers travelling to the north eastern and southern part of Thailand and on to Myanmar without having to back track to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the airline said. Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways last year announced code share agreements with Garuda and Aeroflot to improve connectivity between Thailand and Indonesia. Passengers only wanted to avoid Bangkok during this time.

What are the most popular destinations within Thailand?

Phuket is always popular, as is Koh Samui, Krabi and Surat Thani.

Is the country seen mainly as a beach destination, or does it have wider appeal?

Most people think of Thailand as mainly a beach destination, however when they diversify and take in the Golden Triangle in the north they get a real taste of the culture and other jewels that Thailand has to offer, including the amazing forests. THAI Airways has cut all fuel surcharges by up to 20%, but the struggling Australian dollar has largely negated the benefits for Australian travellers. Introduced at the start of last month, flights to Bangkok are reported to have dropped US$125 in economy and US$188 in business or first class. But THAI Airways marketing executive Kevin Fisher said the plummeting exchange rate has largely swallowed the benefits for Australian travellers. “Unfortunately savings have been chewed up by the current rate of exchange. There is a bit of a saving on long haul travel, but it’s nothing huge at the moment,” he told travelbulletin.. The airline has also removed insurance surcharges to improve its competitiveness on the global arena and launched an ‘transformation plan’ to offset business losses.

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Australian travellers, but with so much product on offer, tailoring the right trip can be a challenge. Gary Walsh spoke with Toorak Travel senior travel consultant Anna Rizzi for some top selling tips.

What are its strengths as a destination?

Well-priced resorts, fantastic people and amazing culture.

What advice would you give to other agents in selling Thailand as a destination?

I would advise them to add a little cultural touring to their itinerary – a true Thailand experience is not only the resorts and the beaches, but also the people and local culture. I would encourage them to go into the mountains – this would give them a great overall experience of the real Thailand and what it truly has to offer.