Published on
August 9, 2025 |
In August 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched its Amazing Thailand Roadshow in India, making stops in Kolkata and New Delhi to showcase Thailand’s growing appeal as a travel destination. The initiative, which focused on strengthening ties between Thailand and the Indian travel trade, aimed to highlight the diverse and evolving range of experiences Thailand offers. With a growing interest from Indian travelers, the roadshow’s objective was to engage Indian travel professionals, such as travel agents, event planners, and media representatives, to expand Thailand’s visibility in one of its fastest-growing source markets.
As the third-largest source market for Thailand, India has shown increasing enthusiasm for travel to Thailand, and the roadshow was designed to capitalize on this momentum. Over the course of the event, Thailand was presented as an appealing destination not only for traditional leisure tourism but also for emerging niche segments such as adventure tourism, wellness retreats, gastronomy-based tourism, and community-based tourism.
Engaging with the Indian Travel Trade: A B2B Approach
The Amazing Thailand Roadshow was a resounding success, with over 30 Thai sellers, including representatives from hotels, attractions, airlines, and destination management companies (DMCs), attending the events. The roadshows featured one-on-one B2B sessions that allowed Thai suppliers to connect directly with Indian travel agents, event organizers, wedding planners, and media representatives. More than 80 travel agents attended the Kolkata event, while the New Delhi event saw over 100 attendees, underscoring the strong interest in Thailand as a preferred travel destination.
The roadshow format offered a platform for networking, discussions, and potential partnerships between Thai and Indian tourism businesses. By fostering such relationships, TAT hopes to create long-term collaborations that will ultimately lead to more Indian travelers visiting Thailand in the coming years.
New Travel Experiences: Emphasizing Diversity and Adventure
One of the key goals of the roadshow was to promote the growing diversity of travel experiences Thailand has to offer, beyond its traditional beach and cultural destinations. The Amazing Thailand Product Presentation, a central feature of the event, spotlighted Thailand’s lesser-known destinations, encouraging travelers to explore beyond the conventional tourist hotspots.
Emerging travel trends were a major focus of the event, including:
- Adventure Tourism: Thailand’s rugged landscapes, national parks, and mountainous regions offer a host of adventure activities. From trekking through rainforests to exploring caves and waterfalls, Thailand’s adventure tourism offerings are fast gaining popularity among thrill-seeking travelers.
- Wellness Retreats: Wellness tourism is another fast-emerging segment, and Thailand is positioning itself as a key destination for relaxation, yoga, and rejuvenation. The roadshow highlighted some of Thailand’s best wellness resorts and retreats, which combine luxury with therapeutic services, attracting travelers seeking holistic health experiences.
- Gastronomy and Culinary Tourism: Thailand’s rich culinary heritage has long been a draw for food lovers, and the roadshow promoted gastronomic tourism by introducing new culinary experiences and food festivals across the country. These experiences allow travelers to immerse themselves in local food cultures while exploring Thailand’s diverse regional cuisines.
These emerging niches reflect the evolving needs of travelers, especially from India, who are looking for more than just traditional sun-and-sand vacations. Thailand’s ability to cater to a range of interests, from adventure to wellness and culinary tourism, makes it an attractive destination for both seasoned and first-time visitors.
Promoting Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
Another key message delivered at the Amazing Thailand Roadshow was the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. As the global tourism sector shifts towards more sustainable travel practices, TAT has taken a proactive approach in promoting ethical travel, community-based tourism, and the preservation of Thailand’s natural heritage.
Sustainability has become a crucial element of tourism development in Thailand, and the roadshow highlighted several initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of tourism. Among the topics discussed were sustainable practices in accommodations, eco-friendly transportation, and conservation efforts at popular tourist sites. TAT emphasized that travelers to Thailand should be mindful of their environmental footprint and opt for experiences that contribute to the well-being of local communities.
Moreover, the roadshow also spotlighted community-based tourism as a growing trend. This type of tourism focuses on small, locally owned businesses and allows travelers to engage with communities in meaningful ways. Community-based tourism offers a more authentic and intimate experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand’s diverse cultures and traditions.
Strengthening Thailand’s Presence in the Indian Market
India has become an increasingly important market for Thailand, and the roadshow served as an essential platform for reinforcing this relationship. The Indian travel trade’s warm response to the event reflects the growing demand for Thailand as a travel destination. The roadshow also highlighted the need for Thailand to build stronger partnerships with Indian travel agents and businesses, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of Indian travelers’ minds when planning their vacations.
In her remarks, the Director of TAT’s New Delhi office expressed her gratitude for the strong support from the Indian travel trade and noted that India’s travel potential to Thailand remains vast. The roadshow was part of a broader effort to enhance the visibility of Thailand’s diverse travel offerings and attract more visitors from India, which remains one of Thailand’s fastest-growing tourist markets.
Leveraging Digital Tools to Boost Travel
In addition to in-person networking, the Amazing Thailand Roadshow showcased the increasing importance of digital tools and platforms for engaging travelers and promoting tourism. TAT is investing in digital marketing, online booking systems, and social media campaigns to reach potential travelers from India and other regions more effectively. These digital tools will complement traditional travel trade efforts and provide a comprehensive strategy to boost tourism to Thailand.
By integrating technology into its promotional efforts, TAT can create more personalized and targeted marketing campaigns, reaching specific traveler segments interested in niche experiences, such as adventure tourism, wellness, or gastronomy. Digital platforms also make it easier for Indian travelers to plan and book their trips to Thailand, further enhancing the accessibility of the destination.
India’s Growing Affinity for Thailand
Thailand has long been a favorite travel destination for Indian tourists, with its proximity, cultural ties, and wide range of travel options. The country’s appeal is further amplified by its appeal to Indian families, honeymooners, solo travelers, and corporate travelers, with easy access to beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences.
Recent reports indicate that Thailand has seen an increase in the number of Indian visitors in recent years. Direct flights between India and Thailand, along with affordable visa policies, have made travel to Thailand more convenient and accessible. The roadshow in Kolkata and New Delhi reaffirmed the growing interest in Thailand from Indian travelers, showcasing how the country is catering to evolving travel preferences while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.
The Road Ahead: Boosting Indian Travel to Thailand
Looking forward, the Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to continue its engagement with the Indian market through various initiatives aimed at expanding tourism. The roadshow was just one part of a broader strategy to increase visitor numbers from India by offering new travel experiences and promoting Thailand’s emerging tourism sectors.
The roadshow’s focus on sustainability, adventure, wellness, and gastronomy reflects the changing face of travel, and Thailand is well-positioned to meet these needs. Moving forward, TAT aims to foster long-term relationships with Indian travel agents, enhance digital presence, and continue promoting the lesser-known gems of Thailand to give Indian tourists more reasons to explore.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Thai Tourism in India
The Amazing Thailand Roadshow has not only solidified Thailand’s place as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists but also showcased the breadth and diversity of experiences available. From adventure tours and wellness retreats to gastronomic explorations and community-based tourism, Thailand is evolving to meet the needs of the modern traveler. With the continued support of the Indian travel trade, along with a focus on sustainability and digital marketing, the future of tourism between India and Thailand looks bright.
As the Indian travel market continues to grow, Thailand remains a strong contender for Indian travelers seeking diverse, unique, and responsible travel experiences. Through initiatives like the Amazing Thailand Roadshow, the tourism industry in both Thailand and India is set to flourish, bringing the two nations closer together in the pursuit of sustainable tourism and memorable travel experiences.
