Bangkok, 9 November 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pursuing growth opportunities in the Balkan markets through two activities: an airline partnership by welcoming GullivAir’s inaugural flight on the Sofia–Phuket route from Bulgaria, and the TAT Prague x Unite for Travel Agent FAM Trip from 2–10 November to promote multi-destination travel across the Andaman coast.
The GullivAir’s new seasonal service establishes a direct connection between Bulgaria and Phuket, operating once weekly with a 240-seat Airbus A330-200. Inaugural flight GBG701 departed Vasil Levski Sofia Airport at 16.20 hrs. on 5 November, with arrival at Phuket International Airport scheduled for 06.55 Hrs. on 6 November. The Bulgarian airline also plans a Sofia–Bangkok route, offering further potential for air connectivity between the region and Thailand. At the arrival of this inaugural flight, passengers and crews were warmly welcomed with Thai souvenirs by a delegation led by Miss Urai Mukpradabthong, TAT Deputy Executive Director of Europe Region, with TAT Phuket Office, representatives of the airline, and airport and tourism partners.
Meanwhile, the TAT Prague Office, in partnership with Romania’s Unite for Travel and FlyDubai, is conducting the TAT Prague x Unite for Travel Agent FAM Trip from 2–10 November. Under the theme “The Charm of Andaman”, 12 Romanian travel operators are exploring the diverse tourism products and services offered across Krabi, Phuket, and Phang-nga, with visits to the Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Ao Phang-nga National Park, Phuket Old Town, the Distillery Phuket, and Ko Panyi community. The programme aims to translate destination experiences into new holiday packages for Romanian travellers.
Direct trade engagement forms another part of the programme, with business meetings at Pakasai Resort in Krabi on 4 November and OZO Phuket on 9 November. Each session connects the Romanian delegation with 15 Thai tourism businesses to develop commercial partnerships and expand the range of Thailand products offered in Romania.
Miss Urai Mukpradabthong, TAT Deputy Executive Director for the Europe Region, said: “The Balkans are an important growth market for Thailand, particularly for travellers seeking beach holidays, nature and authentic local experiences. Our work with airline and travel trade partners focuses on improving access and converting this demand into bookings. By connecting Phuket with Krabi and Phang-nga, we can also introduce travellers to more destinations and create business opportunities for local tourism operators.”
From 1 January to 31 October 2026, Thailand welcomed 6,266,567 visitors from the European region. Of this total, 97,655 visitors were from the Balkan region, a 5.42% increase from the same period last year. Bulgaria contributed 15,029 visitors, up 8.07%, while Romania generated 41,758 visitors, up 5.40%. Continued growth in both markets, together with new air access and trade engagement, provides opportunities to attract more visitors and broaden their travel choices.
TAT’s market approach builds on Phuket’s established popularity while encouraging travel to neighbouring Krabi and Phang-nga. Targeted products include community experiences at Thung Yee Pheng, kayaking at Khlong Root in Krabi and island-hopping in Phang-nga, reflecting growing interest in nature, community-based tourism and soft adventure beyond conventional beach holidays.
