Thai AirAsia will launch the Chiang Mai-Taipei route starting from Sept 30 to serve an increasing number of Thai tourists visiting Taiwan’s capital.
Thai AirAsia chief executive Santisuk Klongchaiya said Taipei is a top destination for Thai travellers based on tourism statistics and a growing number of passengers to the city, well-known for its food, shopping and tourist attractions.
Visa waiver for Thai tourists to Taipei also contributes to the increased interest and repeated visits, Mr Santisuk said.
Last year, 292,534 tourists from Thailand visited Taiwan, an almost 50% jump from 195,640 visitors in 2016, according to Taiwanese Tourism Bureau statistics.
Taiwan projected more than 300,000 visitors from Thailand to visit the island this year.
About 570,000 Taiwanese visited Thailand last year, a 10% increase from a year earlier, according to Tourism and Sports Ministry figures.
“Our introduction of ‘Chiang Mai-Taipei’ means the people of Chiang Mai can now satisfy their desire to visit the capital city, while the people of Taipei will be able to fly direct to one of Thailand’s most popular tourist cities. With both cities having such high travel potential, we are certain this will quickly become one of our more popular routes.”
The no-frills carrier will operate four flights a week on the new route, part of its contribution to national tourism plans, according to the airline.
The airline is seeking to use its rapidly growing network of domestic and international flight routes to help draw more people to Chiang Mai.
Thai AirAsia currently operates 13 domestic and international routes from its Chiang Mai hub.