Following a 35% increase in demand, Tui will add an extra 6,000 Thailand seats this winter with the launch of a new Friday service from Gatwick in early December.

The new flight will allow tourists to opt for 10- and 11-night stays, in addition to the seven- or 14-night holidays it already has on sale. It is also adding 13 new hotels to its accommodation portfolio.

The airline and operator will add a further 9,000 seats next year with the introduction in November of a second service from both Gatwick and Manchester airports.

“We know many of our travellers are looking for more than just a holiday – they want meaningful experiences and memorable journeys with their loved ones,” said Tui UK and Ireland commercial director Phillip Iveson.

“This feedback has inspired us to expand our Thailand portfolio, especially with multi-centre holidays that allow customers to explore more of this beautiful country in one trip," Iveson continued.

“This expansion in Thailand reflects our commitment to delivering diverse, family-friendly holiday options in sought-after destinations.”

Tui’s expansion comes at a key time for Thailand as it transitions to a new tourism model and strategy centred around attraction higher quality tourism.

Sadudee Sangil, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) UK director, recently told TTG agents and tour operators could play a pivotal role in showcasing lesser-known parts of the country to their customers.

“TAT has just run campaigns with eight operators from April to July to promote immediate travel in the shoulder and low seasons,” Sangnil added.