The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted the “Amazing Thailand Roadshow to UK 2026” in Glasgow, Manchester, and London from May 19 to 21, 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen Thailand’s presence in the UK market and promote the country as a top long-haul travel destination under its Airline Focus strategy. These cities were selected due to their strong outbound travel networks and established air connections to Thailand.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, emphasized the importance of the UK as a key long-haul market, noting that arrivals from the UK reached one million in 2025, with demand steadily increasing. “Through our Airline Focus strategy, TAT has collaborated with airline partners to enhance services to Thailand. The Amazing Thailand Roadshow to UK 2026 aims to build on this momentum by enhancing trade relationships, boosting sales, and establishing a solid foundation for attracting high-spending UK travelers,” she stated.
The event featured 19 Thai tourism sellers, including 16 hotels and three destination management companies representing Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, and Surat Thani. On the UK side, a total of 218 travel trade representatives participated, comprising 47 travel agents in Glasgow, 83 in Manchester, and 78 agents along with 10 leading product managers in London. In London, H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Thailand’s Ambassador to the UK, welcomed attendees and reiterated the government’s support for tourism initiatives between Thailand and the UK. Additionally, in Manchester, TAT organized a UK Tour Operators’ Panel Talk that provided updates on UK travel demand, Thailand’s competitive edge, and effective trade marketing insights.
The growth of the UK market in 2026 is significantly supported by air connectivity. Currently, five airlines operate direct flights from the UK to Thailand, including Thai Airways International, EVA Air, British Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways, and TUI UK, offering 35 weekly flights and over 11,100 seats. British Airways is set to launch a year-round service from London Gatwick to Bangkok starting March 31, 2026, which will contribute nearly 60,000 additional seats. Virgin Atlantic Airways has also announced three weekly flights from London Heathrow to Phuket for the winter 2026/2027 season, enhancing access to crucial Thai locations.
TAT aims to further expand this accessibility through ongoing collaboration with UK travel trade partners, media, influencers, and over 10 leading industry players, including Trailfinders, Travelbag, Kuoni, Healing Holidays, Destinology, Dial A Flight, Muay Thai Holidays, Southall Travel, and Best At Travel. These efforts align with TAT’s communication direction of “Healing is the New Luxury,” which emphasizes wellness, nature, responsible travel, and emerging destinations throughout Thailand. The UK ranks among the top 10 markets for visitors to Thailand, with over one million UK tourists in 2025, generating upwards of 74.515 billion Baht in tourism revenue. UK travelers are known to stay an average of 14.18 nights and typically spend 60,000–70,000 Baht per person, favoring destinations such as Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Chiang Mai, often traveling independently or with companions for leisure and holiday purposes.
Source: Pattaya Mail
