Tourexpi
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially
launched its new global communication campaign, “Healing is the New Luxury,”
during the Amazing Thailand Press Conference at the World Travel Market (WTM)
2025 in London. The initiative redefines Thailand’s tourism narrative,
presenting the kingdom as a world-leading destination for well-being, cultural
depth, and sustainable travel experiences.
“Today’s travellers seek balance, renewal, and meaning
in every journey,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. “Healing is
the New Luxury reflects this evolution, showcasing Thailand as a place where
visitors can reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with the heart of our
communities. True luxury lies not in extravagance but in inspiration, comfort,
and well-being.”
A new era of Thai wellness and creativity
The campaign highlights Thailand’s unique blend of wellness
tourism, gastronomy, and cultural creativity. From holistic retreats in Phuket,
Chiang Mai, Phang-nga, Khao Yai, and Saraburi to local culinary innovations in Buri
Ram and Nan, travellers are invited to experience the physical, emotional, and
spiritual renewal that defines Thailand’s new tourism direction. Healing, in
this context, extends beyond spa and yoga—it encompasses food, nature, and
community.
Thailand’s creative energy continues to drive its
tourism identity. Landmark projects such as Jurassic World: The Experience and Dusit
Central Park in Bangkok, and Lannatique in Chiang Mai, merge lifestyle,
culture, and wellness. The “New Neighbourhood Vibes” initiative promotes
creative districts such as Songwat and Charoen Krung, while Nan Old City, a
recent recipient of the Green Destinations Gold Award 2025, exemplifies the
integration of heritage and sustainability.
Thailand also remains a magnet for the global film
industry, hosting 395 international productions between January and September
2025, which generated over 4 billion Baht in revenue. Blockbusters like Jurassic
World Rebirth (filmed in Krabi, Phang-nga, and Trang) and The White Lotus (shot
in Ko Samui and Phuket) have amplified Thailand’s cinematic allure.
Sustainability as a guiding principle
Aligned with the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, TAT
reinforces its long-term sustainability commitments through programs such as
the Thailand Tourism Awards, the STAR Rating System—with over 2,500 certified
tourism businesses—and the CF Hotels platform, which supports carbon reduction
and transparency across the industry. Ten Thai destinations were recently
listed in the 2025 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, while Mu Ko Lanta
National Park and Mueang Kao Sukhothai received international recognition for
sustainable management.
A pioneering initiative in this journey is the Krabi
Prototype Project, TAT’s model for regenerative tourism inspired by the Blue
Zones philosophy, promoting harmony between human health and environmental
balance. Thailand’s leadership in this field will be further demonstrated as it
prepares to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Global
Conference 2026 in Phuket.
Expanding global connectivity
TAT’s marketing focus for 2026 targets high-value
markets across Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and the Middle East, supported by
its Airline Focus Strategy. Recent developments include new routes from Norse
Atlantic Airways (Manchester, London Gatwick, and Stockholm to Bangkok;
Oslo–Phuket from December), Air France (Paris–Phuket), United Airlines (Los
Angeles–Bangkok via Hong Kong), and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi–Krabi, with Abu
Dhabi–Chiang Mai launched on 4 November).
Healing as Thailand’s new global message
Beyond its destinations, Thailand’s message is one of
transformation and connection. Signature cultural events—such as the Illuminated
Boat Procession in Nakhon Phanom, the Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani, and
the Star Procession in Sakon Nakhon—are being revitalised to strengthen
community pride and cultural authenticity. Major international gatherings, from
Wonderfruit and Creamfields Asia to the Maha Songkran World Water Festival,
showcase Thailand’s role as a creative and sustainable event hub.
“Thailand is more than a destination—it is a journey
of healing and transformation,” Ms. Thapanee concluded. “We invite the world to
experience the harmony between our people, our culture, and our nature—and to
discover that, indeed, healing is the new luxury.”
Image
Credit: © TAT
The most interesting news
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

The Czech capital has maintained its position among the ten most important meeting destinations in the world
Meetings Prague announces statistics for 2025 and unifies tourism branding
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
