Phetchaburi Eyes Hua Hin Airport for International Flights, Targets Luxury Wedding Market
Phetchaburi is targeting India's wedding market to boost tourism revenue, with major hotels offering full buyouts and plans to develop Hua Hin Airport for international flights to connect wealthy couples and families to the region.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phetchaburi office is accelerating the development of quality tourism by targeting high-potential market segments including wedding destinations, golf, wellness, luxury, sports, and family tourism to increase visitor spending and prepare for future international market expansion.
The wedding market represents significant opportunity, particularly among Indian tourists who form the primary visitor base for Cha-am and Hua Hin, while Japanese and Chinese travelers currently comprise a smaller share. Major hotels in the area including SO Sofitel Hua Hin, Baba Beach Club Hua Hin, Cha-am by Sripanwa, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, and Avani+ Hua Hin Resort are now offering exclusive full-hotel buyout options for weddings, with at least 20 hotels positioned to serve this market.
Phetchaburi's proximity to Bangkok, combined with its attractions, cultural heritage, atmosphere, and wedding event facilities, makes it an appealing choice for high-value tourists, especially couples from India, said Ms. Duangjai Khamsaad, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phetchaburi office. Following COVID-19, European tourist numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, prompting businesses to increasingly target the wedding market, particularly during off-season periods to boost occupancy rates and hotel revenue.
The Tourism Authority is coordinating with hotel operators in Hua Hin and Cha-am to identify target markets for Hua Hin Airport development, prioritizing Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Shanghai as hubs that could connect passengers from multiple countries, including India, to the region if direct international flights are established.
In 2024, Phetchaburi welcomed 10.84 million visitors, generating 37 billion baht in revenue, with 90% domestic tourists. During the first five months of 2025, the province attracted 4.89 million visitors and generated 16.29 billion baht, reflecting sustained growth.
Wedding packages for Indian tourists range from 3.8 million baht for standard offerings to 10 million baht for luxury events. Zaffar Javid Noor, Director of Events Management at SO Sofitel Hua Hin, noted that the Indian wedding market continues growing steadily, with the region's strength lying in offering couples a distinctive destination different from typical wedding venues. Most Indian weddings are full buy-outs of the hotel, with standard packages starting at 3.8-4 million baht for 4 days and 3 nights, covering all 108 rooms and accommodating approximately 200 guests.
