Phuket Welcomes First Direct Flight from Bucharest, Boosting Thai Tourism
Phuket, a renowned tropical destination in Thailand, has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector. On December 19, 2024, the island welcomed its first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a major step in strengthening tourism ties between the two countries. This inaugural flight, operated by Romanian airline HiSky in collaboration with tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, carried eager Romanian travelers to the shores of Thailand.
A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Connectivity
The maiden flight, designated H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport, where a warm welcome ceremony was organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Suladda Sarutilavan, Executive Director for the Europe Region of TAT, personally greeted the arriving passengers, highlighting the significance of this new direct route. This seasonal service is scheduled to operate twelve flights between Bucharest and Phuket from December 2024 to March 2025, utilizing a spacious Airbus A330 aircraft with a capacity of 274 seats.
Visa-Free Entry Fuels Tourism Growth
The initiative is expected to significantly boost tourism numbers from Romania. Thailand’s existing visa exemption policy for Romanian citizens, allowing stays of up to 60 days, is a considerable incentive for travelers. This has already resulted in a substantial increase in Romanian tourists visiting Thailand. Official figures from TAT News reveal that from January 1 to December 16, 2024, Thailand received 38,624 Romanian arrivals—a remarkable 23.26% surge compared to the same period in 2023.
Positive Impact on Thai Economy
This new flight route signifies a strategic move to tap into the growing Eastern European tourism market. The increase in visitor numbers from Romania promises to inject substantial revenue into Phuket’s and Thailand’s economy, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and bolstering the country’s tourism infrastructure. The partnership between HiSky, Dertour, and Karpaten demonstrates a successful model for collaborative tourism development, opening doors for increased connectivity and enhanced travel opportunities.
AirAsia Incident Highlights Importance of Air Travel Etiquette
In a contrasting incident that highlighted the importance of proper passenger behavior on flights, a Thai AirAsia flight to Thailand recently made headlines for unruly conduct by some passengers. A video circulating on social media showed passengers, primarily from India, standing in aisles, engaging in loud conversations, and consuming snacks while ignoring flight attendants’ requests to remain seated. Such incidents underscore the need for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of in-flight regulations to maintain safety and comfort for all passengers. This incident served as a timely reminder of the importance of air travel etiquette and passenger responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth in Tourism
The successful launch of the direct flight from Bucharest to Phuket underscores the continued growth and appeal of Thailand as a premier tourist destination. The collaboration between airlines, tour operators, and tourism authorities promises a bright future for both Thailand and Romania, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. This partnership also serves as an example for other countries looking to expand their tourism offerings and improve international connectivity.
