To mark the occasion, special ceremonies were held at Phuket International Airport, where passengers onboard Saudia’s inaugural Riyadh-Phuket flight SV 852 were welcomed with traditional Thai hospitality, including a Thai puppet show, the presentation of Thai souvenirs, and flower garlands. The welcome event was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, along with Mr. Abdulaziz Alkhudhairi, Deputy Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Thailand, and Mr. Samawit Supanpai, Vice Governor of Phuket.
“The launch of Saudia’s non-stop flights to Phuket marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of the friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand,” said Mr. Siripakorn. “This new air link not only offers greater convenience for Saudi travellers but also fosters deeper cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges, further solidifying Thailand’s position as a preferred destination for visitors from Saudi Arabia.”
Saudia’s Non-Stop Flights to Phuket: A New Era of Connectivity
Saudia’s inaugural Riyadh-Phuket flight SV 852 took off from Riyadh at 11:25 AM on December 2, 2024, arriving in Phuket at 10:30 PM. Onboard were notable dignitaries, including H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Thailand’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and media representatives from the Middle East. The flight is the first of three weekly non-stop services operated by Saudia on this route, utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline is also launching a non-stop Jeddah-Phuket service, with the inaugural flight SV 850 scheduled for December 4, 2024. This flight will depart Jeddah at 01:55 AM and land in Phuket at 1:45 PM.
These new routes come as part of Saudia’s expanded operations in Thailand. The airline currently operates 4-5 weekly flights from Jeddah to Bangkok and three weekly flights from Riyadh to Bangkok, providing more options for Saudi visitors to explore Thailand.
Promoting Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Mr. Siripakorn highlighted the importance of the new flights, noting that they coincide with a period of growing tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. “In recent years, our collaborative efforts have attracted a growing number of Saudi tourists to Thailand, and the introduction of these non-stop flights to Phuket will further enhance this partnership,” he said. “Saudia’s flights offer Saudi travellers convenient access to Thailand’s stunning beaches, rich culture, and unique experiences, particularly in Phuket, which is renowned for its world-class resorts, vibrant nightlife, and natural beauty.”
The growing number of Saudi tourists to Thailand is also evident in the rising visitor statistics. Between January and November 2024, Thailand welcomed 209,929 Saudi travellers, marking a 28.42% increase compared to 2023. The majority of these visitors (77.43%) were first-time travellers to Thailand, while 15.71% had returned 2-4 times, and 6.86% had visited more than five times. These figures reflect the increasing popularity of Thailand as a top destination for Saudi citizens, who are drawn to the country’s diverse attractions, renowned hospitality, and cultural richness.
TAT and Saudia: A Long-Term Partnership
TAT and Saudia have long enjoyed a productive partnership, and their collaboration is set to continue with several joint initiatives aimed at promoting tourism between the two nations. Upcoming projects include a special sales promotion targeting Saudi families and millennial travellers, along with the Amazing Thailand Post-ATM Roadshow 2025 in Riyadh, which will bring Thai businesses and tourism representatives closer to the Saudi market.
TAT and Saudia have previously worked together on successful campaigns, including the 2023 Phuket Roadshow to Saudi Arabia and a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2022 to promote luxury, wellness, and sustainable tourism in Thailand. These initiatives have successfully attracted Saudi tourists, contributing to the flourishing tourism exchange between the two countries.
A Bright Future for Thailand-Saudi Arabia Tourism
The launch of Saudia’s non-stop flights to Phuket is a significant step in strengthening the ties between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. With more convenient air travel options, Saudi visitors are now better able to explore the beauty and cultural richness of Thailand. The expansion of Saudia’s operations reflects the growing importance of the Saudi market, and it is expected to drive further growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
As the relationship between Thailand and Saudi Arabia continues to deepen, the Tourism Authority of Thailand looks forward to welcoming even more Saudi visitors in the years to come, with Saudia’s new non-stop flights serving as a vital link in this exciting new chapter of bilateral cooperation.
For Saudi travellers seeking to explore Thailand’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and world-class hospitality, the new direct routes to Phuket represent an exciting opportunity to experience all that this tropical paradise has to offer.
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