Condor Resumes Direct Flights to Thailand, Boosting Tourism Revival

[snoop1130]

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the arrival of Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt to Phuket yesterday, marking the airline's return to the route after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

 

This resumption is a significant milestone for Thailand's tourism recovery, with TAT projecting over 979,000 German tourists this year, expected to generate around 65 billion baht in revenue. The renewed direct flights signify a strong demand for long-haul travel to Thailand, which is crucial for aiding the tourism sector's bounce back.

 

Condor's return includes two key routes: Frankfurt to Phuket with two flights weekly, starting yesterday, and Frankfurt to Bangkok with four flights weekly, beginning today, both serviced by Airbus A330neo aircraft.

 

Passengers landing in Phuket received a warm welcome from TAT officials and representatives from government and private sectors. The reception, featuring gifts and promotions under the "Amazing Thailand" brand, highlighted Thailand's standing as a premier tourist destination.

 

 

 

 

German tourists are now the third-largest European group visiting Thailand, with a noticeable surge post-pandemic. TAT sees them as a high-potential market, especially during Germany’s winter months. These tourists favour Thai beach destinations, health and wellness retreats, and eco-friendly tourism options.

 

Interestingly, 60% of German visitors are repeat tourists, many being families and professionals who prefer independent travel. This trend underscores Thailand’s enduring appeal and the success of TAT's marketing strategies.

 

The collaboration between TAT and Condor is set to revitalise Thailand’s tourism industry, reinforcing the country as a prime choice for international travellers.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-23

 

[steven100]

13 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

 expected to generate around 65 billion baht in revenue. 

 

 

yes,   I'm absolutely sure it will ....   has TAT been on the booze at lunch  

[nakhonandy]

The figures quoted suggest the Condor flights will be full of tourists that wouldn't have used another airline.

 

Highly unlikely. 

[BayArea]

I flew Condor for the first time last summer to France. The first leg to Frankfurt was a new Airbus A330-900 Neo. It was nicely equipped, and the crew were wonderful. The flight back from Frankfurt to SFO was an older Airbus and it was below par in terms of amenities and latest tech etc. Other than that, the tickets for a family of 4 was reasonable for an overseas vacation. I will fly with them again if the opportunity presents itself. 

[Lorry]

7 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

60% of German visitors are repeat tourists

Of course,  not many Germans have never been to Thailand. 

[soi3eddie]

Hey Helmut, welcome to the rainy season. Beware not to swim!

 

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This resumption is a significant milestone for Thailand's tourism recovery, with TAT projecting over 979,000 German tourists this year, expected to generate around 65 billion baht in revenue.

More projections... just what we need more of.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

TAT sees them as a high-potential market, especially during Germany’s winter months. These tourists favour Thai beach destinations, health and wellness retreats, and eco-friendly tourism options.

So not the beer bars and girls then?

[Homburg]

5 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

More projections... just what we need more of.

Thailand - Hub of projections!

[Homburg]

4 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

Hey Helmut, welcome to the rainy season. Beware not to swim!

 

Good warning - especially if any of these tourists head to Pattaya, where no-one swims in the sea - they just go through the motions....

[impulse]

I know nothing about the airline, but when I think "Condor" my mind conjures up images of vultures and death and rotting corpses.

 

[jcmj]

How TAT comes up with its figures just boggles my mind. 🤪

[steven100]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

So not the beer bars and girls then?

the temples of course 

[Will B Good]

 

 

This simply shifts passengers from other companies to Condor......just having flights doesn't mean there will be more tourists.....surely???????

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

the temples of course 

Of course, that and Phad Thai

[kinyara]

2 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

This simply shifts passengers from other companies to Condor......just having flights doesn't mean there will be more tourists.....surely???????

 

It doesn't, however it has been regularly reported that available airline capacity hasn't yet returned to pre-Covid levels, part of the reason airline prices have remained high. Another example as well as Condor, is BA restarting their London to Bangkok route this coming high season, albeit from Gatwick and not Heathrow. 

 

I suspect airlines like Condor and BA see additional demand associated with the extended visa free period or ease of extension being attractive for the snowbirds and others again

[Burma Bill]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

celebrated the arrival of Condor flight

 

What a sight, condor in full flight. Would certainly attract many tourists.

 

 

[thecyclist]

12 hours ago, hotchilli said:

So not the beer bars and girls then?

The girls happen to hang around beaches.