The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) counted 97,655 visitors from the Balkan region between 1 January and 31 October 2026, up 5.42% on the same period of 2025. On 9 November it said it is building the Balkan market through a new Sofia–Phuket flight and Romanian travel trade. Explera DMC Thailand explains what the market is, how it reaches Thailand and what to reconfirm.
Explera handles ground arrangements as a Thailand DMC for travel agents. Its Thai company, Explera DMC Co., Ltd., holds TAT licence 14/05119, the Tourism Business Licence issued by the Department of Tourism, and the group is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and a member of ASTA (900408341). Write to b2b@explera.co.th.
How big is the Balkan market for Thailand?
Small, and growing. TAT's figures for 1 January to 31 October 2026 give Romania 41,758 visitors, up 5.40%, and Bulgaria 15,029, up 8.07%. Those two make 56,787 of the 97,655, so about 40,900 came from other countries. TAT's release does not say which countries it counts as Balkan. Europe as a whole sent 6,266,567 visitors in the same months, so the Balkans are under 2% of the European total.
TTG Asia reported in March that a TAT roadshow started in Belgrade on 21 February and went on to Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest and Sofia, with Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria as the focus. Our January to October arrivals post has the national picture.
How do Balkan travellers fly to Thailand?
Bulgaria now has a nonstop. GullivAir's first Sofia–Phuket flight left Sofia on 5 November and landed on 6 November, and the service runs once a week this winter on an Airbus A330-200. Our GullivAir route guide covers the schedule.
Two details are not settled. TAT gives the aircraft 240 seats, while TTR Weekly reports 326, so reconfirm capacity with the airline before you plan a series. TAT also says only that GullivAir plans a Sofia–Bangkok route, with no start date. For Romania, the release names no nonstop. The airline partner on TAT's Romanian agent trip was FlyDubai, which flies through Dubai. Ask each agency which routing it sells.
What did TAT do with Romanian agents?
TAT's Prague office, with the Romanian company Unite for Travel and FlyDubai, brought 12 Romanian travel operators to the Andaman coast from 2 to 10 November. They visited Krabi, Phuket and Phang-nga. Business meetings in Krabi on 4 November and in Phuket on 9 November each put them in front of 15 Thai tourism businesses. TAT says the aim is new holiday packages for Romanian travellers, with Krabi and Phang-nga sold beside Phuket.
What do Balkan clients buy?
TAT's deputy executive director for Europe, Urai Mukpradabthong, called the Balkans an important growth market, above all for beach holidays, nature and local experiences. Suppliers quoted by TTG Asia in March described buyers as value-conscious but quality-driven and said groups also travel in the shoulder and green seasons. For a Thailand DMC that means beach programmes with one or two well-chosen days out, and group departures built on fixed flight days. Our group travel team handles series like these, and our Romania and Bulgaria market pages explain how we work with agencies there.
What should agents reconfirm?
Three things. First, the flight: operating days, seat count and the last flight of the season. Second, the Bangkok route, which has no confirmed date. Third, entry rules for every passport on the booking. Thailand's rules changed on 15 September 2026 and now depend on nationality. Our visa-exemption guide records Bulgaria among the 30-day countries, with all European Union members treated alike, and Serbia as eligible for Visa on Arrival. Check the current list before you confirm a stay. Every traveller also completes the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.
Next steps
Send us the flight days, the group size and the stay your clients want through our contact page. The trade desk replies within 24 hours, and the rest of what we do is on our Thailand DMC services page.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom: TAT targets Balkan market growth through new air access and travel trade partnerships
- TTG Asia: Thailand tourism targets Balkans to expand longhaul group travel
- TTR Weekly: GullivAir flies Sofia-Phuket route
Frequently asked questions
Which countries does TAT count as the Balkan market?
TAT's 9 November release names only Bulgaria and Romania and does not list the others. TTG Asia's March report on TAT's roadshow named Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria as the focus markets.
How many Balkan visitors came to Thailand in 2026?
TAT counted 97,655 from 1 January to 31 October 2026, up 5.42% on the same period of 2025. Romania sent 41,758 and Bulgaria 15,029.
Is there a direct flight from the Balkans to Thailand?
Yes, from Bulgaria. GullivAir began a weekly Sofia–Phuket flight on 5 November 2026 for the winter season. TAT says the airline plans a Sofia–Bangkok route but gives no date. Reconfirm both with the airline.
Do Bulgarian and Romanian clients need a visa for Thailand?
Both countries are European Union members, and the rules in force since 15 September 2026 put EU passports in the 30-day visa-exemption group. Check the current list for every nationality on the booking, and ask your Thailand DMC about any stay longer than 30 days.
