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

Hilton launches co-branded Mastercard credit cards in China
Partnership with Bank of Communications links everyday spending to Hilton Honors benefits, hotel stays and travel rewards at more than 9,400 properties worldwide
Read the News

Europe: Social media increasingly shapes how travellers choose and experience trips
TUI Musement research finds 39% have visited a tourist attraction mainly to create social media content, while viral posts increasingly influence bookings
Read the News

Latin America: Hilton expands workforce as hotel pipeline grows
Hilton employs more than 26,000 people across the region and plans over 150 additional hotels as it ranks first among Latin America’s best workplaces
Read the News

IHG and Live Nation link hotel stays with concert experiences in Greater China
IHG One Rewards members will gain access to hotel and concert packages in Hong Kong and Taiwan as the hotel group expands its loyalty programme into live entertainment
Read the News

Germany: Domestic travel reaches record high in 2025
German travelers took 169 million overnight domestic trips, while international travel declined sharply and business travel almost returned to pre-pandemic levels
Read the News

Florida: Orlando extends Halloween season to a record 94 days
From theme park horror nights to family festivals and live entertainment, Orlando will celebrate Halloween from August 7 through November 8
Read the News

Europe captures one-third of global leisure travel spending
Travelers spent $2 trillion on leisure trips in Europe in 2025, while Italy, Spain and Türkiye are expected to drive further growth as Southern Europe strengthens its global tourism position
Read the News

Hotel Palace Berlin to become Hyatt Regency in 2027
The 278-room City West property will undergo a phased renovation before joining Hyatt Regency and World of Hyatt in early 2027
Read the News

World cruise bookings rise as luxury travellers seek longer journeys
Pavlus Travel & Cruise reports bookings up more than 20 percent for 2026 as new routes, remote destinations and improved onboard connectivity broaden the appeal of months-long voyages
Read the News

TUI Musement launches premium dining cruises on London’s Thames
Four new cruise experiences combine views of the British capital with afternoon tea, brunch, dinner and coffee, with prices starting at £22 per person
Read the News

Atlas Ocean Voyages turns solar eclipse into expedition experience
Guests aboard three expedition yachts witnessed totality from the Mediterranean and North Atlantic after more than two years of planning
Read the News

Egyptian Tourism Authority joins WTTC as Destination Partner
New partnership aims to strengthen public-private cooperation, support sustainable tourism growth and raise Egypt’s profile among travelers and investors
Read the News

Global: Hilton retains title as world’s most valuable hotel brand
Brand Finance values Hilton Hotels & Resorts at $19.2 billion, up 28 percent year on year, while nine Hilton brands make the Hotels 50 ranking
Read the News

Alaska Airlines adds nonstop Seattle flights to Athens and Paris
New Boeing 787-9 services will launch in May 2027 as Alaska Airlines expands Seattle into a major intercontinental hub
Read the News

Germany: Eurowings rolls out Premium BIZ Seat across A320neo fleet
New 2x2 premium seating will be available on selected Mallorca, Málaga and London services and on all Eurowings flights to Dubai from December 2026
Read the News

Germany: Lufthansa adds hot meals to Economy pre-order menu
Five hot dishes join Onboard Delights from September, while long-haul Business Class passengers gain a wider choice of pre-selected meals
Read the News

Shanghai: Disney Resort packs autumn with Duffy Month and Halloween
The resort combines new Duffy and Friends experiences, LinaBell’s fifth anniversary and an expanded Halloween season with its 10th birthday celebrations
Read the News

Asia: Thailand leads European summer travel searches as Vietnam gains ground
Agoda data puts Thailand ahead of Indonesia and Japan, while India, South Korea and Vietnam record the strongest growth in European search interest
Read the News

Thailand targets high-value Chinese travelers with regional campaigns
Wellness in eastern China, sports tourism in the west and family travel in the north form part of a more targeted strategy as Thailand aims for over five million Chinese arrivals in 2026
Read the News

Hainan looks beyond its beaches with rainforest and hot spring tourism
Qixianling in central Hainan combines a year-round mountain climate with rainforest hiking, geothermal springs and golf as Baoting expands its wellness tourism offer
Read the News

China launches first SAF compliance service for foreign business jets
New model at Beijing Capital International Airport gives foreign-registered business jets access to sustainable aviation fuel benefits without changes to existing refuelling infrastructure