Pegas Touristik, a Russian tour operator plans to increase charter flights from points in Russia to Bangkok and Phuket during the up-coming winter season. It estimates it can sell Thailand tours to 4,500 tourists a week.

Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates the Russian market will grow by at least 30% this year.

Pegas Touristik deputy general manager, Abdullah Cankaya, told TTR Weekly that during the coming winter season, the company planned to operate three charter flights a day (two to Bangkok and one to Phuket) from cities in Russia using a 215-seat Boeing 757s owned by its sister company, Nordwind Airlines. If the flights are fully booked then Pegas Touristik will bring in 4,515 Russians a week.

"Last season we faced some difficulties due to demonstrations in Bangkok. We reduced flights, but we did not stop bringing in people like some European operators. We believe that if you support a country in bad times, you will benefit during good times.

"We have been here for five years. Each year the turnover grows. Currently we bring in about 100,000 people a year. Since October 2009, we flew in 70,000 tourists," said Mr Cankaya.

Next year, company estimates it can deliver 120,000 visitors from eights cities in Russia. At the moment, Pegas operates one flight every two days to Bangkok and one every three days to Phuket.

To drive growth, Pegas established a joint venture with Traveller2000, its Thai local partner.

TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, Jutaporn Roengronasa, told TTR Weekly in a separate interview that Russia was a rising star for Thailand that was delivery a growth of 30% to 40%.

Other big suppliers are the UK and France.

Ms Jutaporn said: "The Russian market is very healthy even during our troubles." From January to May, it grew 105% from about 140,000 to 288,000. This year, we expect arrivals from Russia will reach 400,000 and 420,000 in 2011."

According to Immigration Bureau's statistics, at all points of entry, 336,965 Russians visited Thailand of which 231,407 Russians disembarked at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Ms Jutaporn said TAT cooperates with three large tour operators in Russia supporting them with advertising budgets. They include Natalie Tours, Capital Tours and Tezz Tours. TAT also buys outdoor advertising at popular city squares in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

TAT will continue to promote in the Russian market, but will establish niche market such as honeymooners by inviting celebrity couples to celebrate in Thailand with the media providing publicity.

To tap the market, TAT and tourism-related business in Thailand will join travel trade shows in Moscow — Luxury Leisure, 21 to 23 September and the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Show, 16 to 19 March next year.

TTR Weekly