In an effort to promote eco-tourism and shine a spotlight on Thailand’s lesser-known destinations, KTC (Krungthai Card Public Company Limited) recently partnered with Bangkok Airways and Dusit Thani to offer an exclusive trip for its KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS credit cardmembers. This special journey took place in Krabi and Phatthalung, two stunning provinces in southern Thailand, known for their natural beauty and cultural richness. Not only was this trip a way to thank loyal cardmembers, but it also supports a broader initiative to promote tourism in secondary cities. These destinations are increasingly becoming a focus for travelers looking for authentic, eco-friendly experiences.

A Rewarding Journey for Cardmembers and Secondary City Tourism

This exclusive trip to Krabi and Phatthalung, organized by KTC in collaboration with Bangkok Airways and Dusit Thani, was more than just a perk for loyal cardmembers—it was a strategic move to highlight the importance of secondary cities in Thailand’s tourism landscape. Phatthalung, in particular, is gaining popularity as an eco-tourism destination, offering visitors a mix of untouched nature and rich cultural heritage. The trip allowed participants to explore local attractions like Thale Noi, a biodiverse wetland area, and traditional markets such as Tai Nod, known for its handicrafts and local delicacies.

KTC’s commitment to sustainable tourism was central to this initiative. By promoting hidden gem destinations like Phatthalung, the company is encouraging travelers to look beyond Thailand’s most famous tourist hotspots. This is in line with the country’s broader tourism strategy, which aims to reduce the strain on well-known locations like Bangkok and Phuket while also boosting the economies of smaller regions.

With nearly 100,000 cardmembers, the KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS co-branded credit card has been a major success. It offers travelers exclusive benefits, including access to domestic flights to both well-known and lesser-explored destinations. This latest initiative is part of a larger celebration of the 20th anniversary of the card, with even more trips and promotions planned for the upcoming year.

Exclusive Benefits for KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS Cardholders

The KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS credit card isn’t just a typical credit card—it’s a gateway to premium travel experiences. For over 19 years, Bangkok Airways has partnered with KTC to provide cardholders with unique perks and privileges, making it one of the most attractive travel cards in the market.

Members who hold this co-branded card can enjoy exclusive travel benefits, including flights to World Heritage sites like Sukhothai and Lampang, as well as beach destinations such as Samui, Krabi, and Trat. To celebrate the partnership, cardholders who apply for the KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS card and pay a 5,000-baht fee can redeem two round-trip domestic tickets. These tickets are part of a point redemption program that allows cardholders to transfer points to Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus system.

Additional perks include earning up to 5,500 bonus points for KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS MASTERCARD holders. This year, the card also focuses on promoting sustainable tourism by offering special trips and benefits that highlight eco-friendly travel to Thailand’s lesser-explored destinations.

One of the key features of the card is its excellent redemption rate, with just 1.5 KTC FOREVER points required per FlyerBonus point—making it the fastest FlyerBonus redemption rate on the market. Moreover, cardholders receive a 15% discount on FlyerBonus redemptions throughout the year, making travel even more affordable. Other perks include complimentary access to the Blue Ribbon Club lounges at select airports and discounts on in-flight shopping.

Bangkok Airways and Dusit Thani: Promoting Hidden Gems

As part of this collaborative effort, Bangkok Airways is playing a crucial role in bringing attention to Thailand’s hidden gems. The airline has long been a proponent of promoting secondary cities, aligning its strategy with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s policy to encourage travel to lesser-known destinations. This partnership with KTC and Dusit Thani allows Bangkok Airways to offer its co-branded cardholders exclusive travel experiences, such as the curated trip to Krabi and Phatthalung.

To further promote travel to these hidden gems, Bangkok Airways is increasing the frequency of its flights between Bangkok and Krabi, adding an additional daily round-trip flight in October. This expansion in services comes with special fare promotions, making it even easier for travelers to discover the beauty of these off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Dusit Thani also plays a significant role in this partnership, with its Dusit Princess Phatthalung Hotel being a key player in promoting Phatthalung as an eco-tourism hotspot. The hotel, which has been open for nine months, has already achieved a 50-60% occupancy rate, with 80% of its guests being Thai tourists. According to Mrs. Chanisa Boonsuwan, General Manager of Dusit Princess Phatthalung, the province’s unique culture, natural surroundings, and local cuisine are drawing more and more visitors. With attractions like the Thale Noi wetland and local markets like Suan Phai, Phatthalung offers a truly authentic Thai experience that is still relatively undiscovered by international tourists.

Cardholders can also enjoy special privileges at Dusit Thani hotels, such as a 10% discount on room rates during their birth month and the opportunity to earn 3x FlyerBonus points on stays. These benefits further solidify the partnership between KTC, Bangkok Airways, and Dusit Thani as a major driver of tourism to Thailand’s hidden gems.

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for Travelers and Secondary Cities

KTC’s collaboration with Bangkok Airways and Dusit Thani represents a win-win for both travelers and Thailand’s secondary cities. By offering exclusive perks and organizing trips to lesser-known destinations, these companies are helping to promote sustainable tourism while providing cardholders with unique travel experiences.

For travelers, the KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS co-branded credit card opens doors to incredible destinations, from the beaches of Krabi to the cultural richness of Phatthalung. The card’s exclusive benefits, including fast point redemption, lounge access, and special promotions, make it an attractive option for those looking to explore Thailand in style.

At the same time, this initiative is giving a much-needed boost to secondary cities like Phatthalung, helping to spread tourism beyond Thailand’s more famous locations. As more travelers discover these hidden gems, the benefits to local economies and the environment are clear. With further trips and activities planned for the 20th anniversary of the KTC-BANGKOK AIRWAYS card, this partnership is sure to continue delivering value to both travelers and the communities they visit.