Air Asia steps up to boost Bangkok

AirAsia is throwing its weight behind Thailand’s tourism recovery effort by offering “free” seats – passengers pay taxes and other fees – from its international destinations to its Bangkok hub for online bookings from May 28-June 1 for the travel period from June 7 to August 31, 2010.

Additionally AirAsia, through its travel holiday division AirAsiaGo.com, is also offering guests travelling into Bangkok free night offers for hotel stays in Bangkok, including free transfers and free half-day city tours.

The international destinations included in the promotion are Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang), Myanmar (Rangoon), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Singapore, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi), China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Hong Kong), Taiwan (Taipei) and Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta).

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said the airline would aggressively market Bangkok as well as its other Thai destinations with low fares and attractive promotions. “We’re putting 110% effort to help Thailand bounce back,” Fernandes said.

Thai AirAsia CEO Bijleveld Tassapon added, “We’re working hard with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to reposition Bangkok as a major tourist attraction. We’re confident that the travel and tourism industry will get better from here.”