First flight from Tashkent to Phuket: Thailand welcomes influencers!

First flight from Tashkent to Phuket: Thailand welcomes influencers!

Yesterday, Centrum Air's first flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan landed at Phuket International Airport and was welcomed with open arms. Also on board the 186-passenger Airbus A321 were five influential personalities from Uzbekistan, who will be part of a seven-day exploration tour of Phuket and the breathtaking Andaman region. This spectacular arrival is not only a cause for celebration, but also marks a significant step in Thailand's travel and aviation industry. Loud TAT News Mr. Santi Sawangcharoen, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the Americas, Middle East and Africa regions, welcomed the arrival, saying that this flight represents a success of TAT's Airline Focus strategy.

Centrum Air will now operate the route between Tashkent and Phuket twice weekly (Wednesdays and Fridays). This new route significantly contributes to strengthening Thailand's international connectivity and promoting tourism from Central Asia. It's no secret that Thailand is now one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world: it is estimated that around 36 to 39 million international visitors are expected in 2025 Forever Vacation reported.

Growth in Uzbek tourism

Already between January 1 and October 28, 2025, 41,173 arrivals from Uzbekistan were recorded, representing an impressive 37 percent increase compared to the previous year. The majority of these visitors are first-time travelers consisting of families and couples, and they value beach, nature and wellness destinations. Popular travel destinations include Phuket, Bangkok, Chon Buri and Krabi. This is driven by the increasing trend towards sustainable travel options, which are also gaining importance in Thailand's broader tourism landscape.

This development is reflected not only in the stories of travelers, but also in the numbers. Loud Forever Vacation Travel and tourism sector revenue is estimated at $3.784 million in 2025, growing 5.36% annually through 2029. Hotels make up the largest part of the market share and expect an increasing number of guests.

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

But while the tourist business is booming, there is also a deep desire to address the challenges of tourism - particularly the so-called "white lotus effect". This describes the negative impact of tourism on local cultures and ecosystems. The rise in the cost of living in busy tourist regions such as Bangkok and Phuket is an indication that tourism brings with it both opportunities and risks Sigma Earth thematised.

Thailand has therefore recognized the need to promote sustainable tourism strategies to preserve natural and cultural heritage. Initiatives such as community-based tourism (CBT) and ecotourism aim to strengthen local communities and mitigate the social and environmental impact of tourism. Finding this balance is challenging, but the efforts of the government and local organizations can bring significant benefits in the long term.

Overall, Centrum Air's new flight shows how tourism can build bridges between cultures while highlighting the importance of sustainability. This forward-thinking approach not only brings economic benefits, but also helps preserve Thailand's natural beauty and cultural diversity for future generations.