Etihad Airways has agreed to promote tourism to Thailand as part of a major new marketing deal.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline penned a US$1.25 million agreement with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) this week, to promote the country in key international markets. These include the UAE, UK, Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Iran and Kuwait.

The agreement was signed by Etihad’s senior vice president of marketing, Shane O’Hare, and TAT’s acting governor, Juthaporn Rerngronasa, at the Expo Milan 2015. The signing was also attended by Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism & Sports.

“Etihad Airways has a long and proud association with Thailand; in fact Bangkok was one of our first international routes. It continues to be one of the busiest in our network enjoying strong year-round demand, particularly from the UAE, GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe,” said O’Hare.

“With five daily flights to Thailand – four to Bangkok and one to Phuket – Etihad Airways has a significant investment in Thai tourism and the new agreement with Tourism Authority of Thailand supports and extends that commitment.

“Through innovative joint marketing campaigns, we aim to bring hundreds of thousands of first-time and repeat travellers from Europe and the Middle East to Thailand to enjoy this beautiful country,” he added.

Ms Juthaporn commented; “Europe has long been a prime market for Thailand. We have also seen an increase in visitors from the Middle East and Africa. The new partnership with Etihad Airways will be a great benefit to both parties – to Thailand in terms of increased visitor numbers and to Etihad Airways in terms of promoting its international network.”

The TAT deal continues Etihad’s strategy of partnering with tourist boards in its key destinations. Last month, the airline penned a similar agreement with Tourism Malaysia, and it also has a marketing agreement in place with Tourism Australia.