THE Tourism Authority
of Thailand (TAT) is in
negotiations with Thai
Airways to reintroduce a direct
flight between South Africa
and Bangkok.
Director of the TAT office in
London, Chiravadee Khunsub,
could not say when the flights
would be introduced but
expressed her confidence
that negotiations would be
successful.
“It ties in with our strategy
to grow tourist numbers from
South Africa to 120 000
passengers – up from the
102 000 recorded in 2018 –
by the next financial year.”
When the national carrier
pulled out of South Africa
for the third time in January
2015, trade speculated that
the extremely low fares and
seasonality of the destination
had led to the decision to
withdraw.
While operators say
competitive pricing is key, it
should be realistic and not
the “silly” R2 000 airfare
(excluding taxes) it offered
previously. “It also needn’t be
a daily flight,” said product
and contracting manager
of kulula holidays, Wendy
Goutier. She suggested
that the airline could fly two
days a week and possibly
up its frequency during peak
season.
Lize Maartens, lead in
marketing for STA Travel,
reiterated a need for
competitive fares, highlighting
that many travellers were
happy to fly indirect. “They
would pay a bit extra for
convenience but only if the
price point is close.”
Thompsons Holidays’
Vivienne Mellows, cautioned
that a decision to re-introduce
a direct flight from South
Africa would need to be long.
term. “They will not get the
trade support if there is any
uncertainty about the longevity
of the airline in the market.”
Wendy agreed. “The
previous flight was very
popular and, with a direct
flight, we would see even
more than the 10% increase
recorded last year.”
She added: “A direct flight
would shorten travelling time
and also open up destinations
such as Bangkok for groups.
Shopping trips to Bangkok
would also come back into
play.”
