The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Emirates Airline, UAE’s leading airline, aiming to utilise the airline's global network to further boost inbound tourist arrivals to Thailand, by focusing on the growth of key niche markets and luxury destinations within the kingdom.

Under the MoU, signed in Bangkok, Emirates, together with Tourism Authority of Thailand, will put into effect a range of joint promotions to mutually increase tourism and visibility for Thailand through the Emirates Airline Global Network, said a statement from TAT.

The promotions will focus on niche tourism markets such as: Green Tourism, Sport Tourism, Luxury Tourism, Weddings & Honeymoons as well as Medical Health & Wellness.

The agreement also involves the possibility of launching a new routes from Dubai to other key tourism destinations in Thailand such as Chiang Mai and U-Tapao in Pattaya.

The agreement was signed by Emirates senior vice president of commercial operation - Far East, Badr Abbas; and Tourism Authority of Thailand’s deputy governor for international marketing, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, Juthaporn Rerngronasa.

Rerngronasa said: "Tapping into Emirates' extensive global network will give Tourism Authority of Thailand access to markets in regions that hold great potential for our unique tourism proposition. Through this MoU, our aim is to jointly put in place the best strategies and practices to increase Thailand’s marketing footprint and position it as a 'Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess' which focuses on enhancing Thailand’s image as a unique leisure destination offering quality with value. This ensures the balance between tourism growth and its social and environmental impact by creating 'value-added experiences' and striking a balance between revenue, community and the environment.”

In 2015, Emirates airline carried more than 700,000 passengers from its global network of destinations to Thailand. Of this, more than 580,000 passengers flew to Bangkok and 120,000 passengers to Phuket.

Emirates is planning to add its seventh daily flight between Bangkok and Dubai on July 1.  This service will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and will help meet growing passenger demand, affirming Thailand’s position as a popular destination for business and leisure, the statement said. -TradeArabia News Service