TAT deepens India engagement at Outbound Travel Mart 2026 in Mumbai - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reinforcing its strategic focus on the Indian market by participating in Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, taking place from 5 to 7 February at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. The presence underlines Thailand’s commitment to quality-led growth in both leisure and corporate travel for 2026.

Thailand pavilion focused on trade and brand engagement

Participating for the 13th time, TAT has established a 200-square-metre Thailand pavilion designed to facilitate around 5,000 business appointments between Thai tourism operators and Indian buyers. The pavilion brings together destination information, shared spaces for business meetings and media interactions, and a cultural showcase highlighting Thai arts, crafts and living traditions. The aim is to strengthen engagement with trade partners, media and consumers while reinforcing Thailand’s brand distinction in a competitive outbound market.

“Healing is the New Luxury” as experiential platform

OTM 2026 is also being used by TAT to present updated tourism information and showcase Thailand’s products and services through cultural performances and live demonstrations under the international campaign “Healing is the New Luxury”. Visitors are invited to engage with Thai culture and craftsmanship rooted in local wisdom, including demonstrations of traditional herbal inhalers made from ten aromatic herbs, upcycling crafts such as Pla Tapian fish keychains produced from Pha Khao Ma fabric, and contemporary tissue garland making. Together, these activities reflect Thai creativity, sustainability and the transformation of everyday materials into meaningful cultural expressions.

Strategic importance of the Indian market

Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, emphasised the market’s role: “India remains a strategically important and high-growth market for Thailand. Participation in OTM 2026 enables TAT to strengthen market insight, refine marketing strategies, and develop tourism products aligned with traveller demand, while reinforcing Thailand’s positioning as a quality destination focused on long-term, sustainable growth. These efforts are also aimed at stimulating interest among key Indian traveller segments, including first-time visitors, millennials, and high-value travellers.”

Focus on quality segments and sustainable growth

For 2026, TAT plans closer collaboration with tour operators and airlines, supported by continued brand communication highlighting Thailand’s diverse tourism offerings, cultural richness and natural assets. Priority leisure segments include millennials, families, active seniors and women travellers, alongside high-value segments such as incentive travel, weddings and celebrations, luxury leisure and sports tourism. Partnerships with Thai operators aligned with Sustainable Development Goals will play a growing role in supporting value-led growth.

Connectivity and policy support underpin momentum

Strong air connectivity continues to support the India–Thailand travel corridor. During the Winter 2025–2026 schedule, 10 airlines operate 438 flights per week between the two countries, offering more than 14,600 seats weekly, with further capacity growth expected in 2026. Thailand’s visa exemption policy for Indian passport holders, allowing stays of up to 60 days, further enhances accessibility and travel confidence.

Solid performance and outlook for 2026

The Indian market continues to show robust momentum. In 2025, Thailand welcomed 2.48 million Indian visitors, generating tourism revenue of 87.7 billion Baht, up from 2.12 million arrivals and 78 billion Baht in 2024. Between 1 January and 4 February 2026 alone, 256,782 Indian tourists travelled to Thailand, ranking India as the fourth-largest source market by international arrivals.

For 2026, TAT projects 2.55 million Indian visitors and tourism revenue of 93 billion Baht. Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai remain the most visited destinations, while interest is growing in Surat Thani, Phang Nga and Chiang Rai, driven by demand for gastronomy, beach activities, nightlife, wellness and cultural experiences.

Image Credit: © TAT