BANGKOK, November 24. /TASS/. Thailand considers Russia to be one of the most promising tourism markets in Europe, Deputy Governor for International Marketing of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Americas Markets at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Siripakorn Cheawsamoot who is responsible for issues of European countries’ tourism markets, said in an interview with TASS.

"TAT pays big attention to the Russian market as one of the most potential tourist markets in Europe. Due to the current situation with outbound tourism from Russia abroad, especially to Europe, we try to promote Thailand as a safe whole-year tourist destination both for visitors who have never been in Thailand, and for re-visitors who have already visited our country, fallen in love with Thailand's legendary hospitality and developed infrastructure," he said.

"According to our marketing plan we participated in the main travel fairs and events in the Russian Federation, such as MITT and Otdykh Leisure travel fairs in Moscow, Luxury Travel Marts, Asian and Indian Ocean Travel Workshop, ANTOR Medical Tourism workshop and seminars. All these events have also been attended by the Thai private sector from different provinces of Thailand. We also organized a roadshow in three Siberian cities (Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk), Moscow, St. Petersburg in cooperation with the Thai private sector and Thai tourist associations," the official added.

"Among the main TAT activities in Russia are joint sales and marketing activities with leading tour operators and air companies, including Aeroflot Russian Airlines. TAT is also very active online, including social media and outdoor activities. Permanently during the whole year, we organized educational groups for media, including bloggers, and travel companies, including tour operators and travel agencies," he concluded.

Russian citizens have been allowed to stay in Thailand without visa for 90 days since November 1. The decision taken by the country’s government unilaterally on October 16, will be in force until April 30, 2024. Russia has been the fifth-largest tourist market for Thailand this year, with 1.2 mln Russians having visited the country year-to-date. In 2019, Russia was the seventh-biggest tourist market for Thailand (1.5 mln). That same year, a record 40 mln foreign tourists visited the country, with the tourism sector accounting for 12% of GDP.