TAT targets Balkan market growth through new air access
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expands Balkan tourism with GullivAir's Sofia-Phuket flights and a Romanian travel agent FAM trip from November 2-10, 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TAT drives Balkan market expansion through airline and travel trade partnerships
- GullivAir launches direct Sofia-Phuket seasonal flights using Airbus A330-200
- 12 Romanian travel operators explore Andaman tourism destinations in Thailand
- Europe recorded over 6.2 million visitor arrivals to Thailand from January to October 2026
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively pursuing growth opportunities within the Balkan markets through two key initiatives: establishing a direct airline partnership with GullivAir's inaugural flight on the Sofia-Phuket route from Bulgaria, and hosting the TAT Prague x Unite for Travel Agent FAM Trip from November 2 to 10 to promote multi-destination travel across Thailand's Andaman coast.
GullivAir's new seasonal service establishes a direct connection between Bulgaria and Phuket, operating once weekly utilizing a 240-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Inaugural flight GBG701 departed Vasil Levski Sofia Airport at 16:20 hrs on November 5, arriving at Phuket International Airport at 06:55 hrs on November 6. The Bulgarian carrier also has plans to introduce a Sofia-Bangkok route to further enhance air connectivity between the region and Thailand.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Upon arrival, passengers and crew members were warmly welcomed with Thai souvenirs by a delegation led by Miss Urai Mukpradabthong, TAT Deputy Executive Director of Europe Region, alongside representatives from the TAT Phuket Office, the airline, and local airport and tourism partners.
Concurrently, the TAT Prague Office, in collaboration with Romania's Unite for Travel and FlyDubai, organized the TAT Prague x Unite for Travel Agent FAM Trip from November 2 to 10. Under the theme "The Charm of Andaman," 12 Romanian travel operators explored diverse tourism products across Krabi, Phuket, and Phang-nga, including visits to the Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Ao Phang-nga National Park, Phuket Old Town, the Distillery Phuket, and the Ko Panyi community.
"The Balkans are an important growth market for Thailand, particularly for travellers seeking beach holidays, nature and authentic local experiences."
Miss Urai Mukpradabthong, TAT Deputy Executive Director for Europe Region
TAT's strategic focus on the Balkan region highlights a targeted approach to diversifying source markets beyond traditional Western European strongholds. By leveraging seasonal charter and direct flight connections with emerging Eastern European hubs, the tourism board aims to overcome long-haul travel friction while distributing economic benefits directly to local communities and operators across the Andaman provinces.
Between January 1 and October 31, 2026, Thailand welcomed a total of 6,266,567 visitors from the European region. Of this figure, 97,655 visitors originated from the Balkan region, representing a 5.42% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Bulgaria contributed 15,029 visitors, marking an 8.07% rise, while Romania generated 41,758 visitors, up by 5.40%. This sustained growth across both emerging markets creates solid foundations for expanding tourism offerings and choice.
Source: TAT Newsroom
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