Thailand Lets Transfer Passengers Explore Local Tourism During Layovers
Thailand’s Tourism Authority and the Department of Air Transport have signed a Letter of Intent with four partner agencies to allow transit and transfer passengers to leave airports and experience local tourism during layovers. The initiative aims to convert waiting time into economic activity, boosting spending and distributing revenue to businesses near airports. Officials said the program will design convenient travel routes and experiences while ensuring passengers can return for their connecting flights.
The agreement seeks to turn layover time into an economic opportunity by allowing transfer and transit passengers to leave airports and explore nearby attractions, food, culture, and products. By linking airports, cities, tourist sites, and local businesses, the initiative aims to increase visitor spending and distribute income throughout the tourism supply chain. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibul said the program wants to transform waiting hours into discovery time, giving passengers a chance to experience Thailand while ensuring they can return for their connecting flights. Under the framework, TAT will lead coordination among government agencies, airports, airlines, educational institutions, and the private sector under the Amazing Thailand Transfer Passenger Privilege project, developing facilitation measures, designing suitable travel routes and experience menus, and linking information systems for a seamless journey. The project also aims to create economic opportunities for businesses around airports, including restaurants, shops, attractions, communities, and local tourism service providers, and to monitor and evaluate outcomes for future policy development, expansion, and competitiveness improvements.
