In April, Thailand celebrated the return of international tourism with an event called “Colouring the Sky: International Kite Festival 2022”. This three-day event, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aimed to revive travel demand, increase tourist arrivals and generate income for various sectors in the industry.
The annual International Kite Festival took place from 22-24 April at Cha-am Beach in Phetchaburi province; and from 29 April – 1 May in Phatthalung province; both iterations attracted hundreds of local and foreign visitors. The festivities unfolded from 11am to 7pm each day, with highlights including an enormous goldfish-shaped kite and a huge horseshoe crab, designed by a Vietnamese team of kite builders.
In addition to the diverse array of colourful kites on show, the festival featured a series of related activities and attractions: the Fancy Kite Show, which showcased a range of international and Thai kites; Revolution Kite, featuring quad-line stunt kites; and the Ringside Kite Tour, providing kite-flying experiences and lessons from professional kite fliers.
Two other main events were the Thai Kite Fighting Show 2022, which was a battle of unique traditional Chula and Pak Pao kites; and the Colouring the Sky Show, comprising aerial sports such as kite surfing and wing foil at Cha-am Beach, and ballooning in Phatthalung province.
Other attractions included a DIY kite corner, a family kite zone and the Thailand Kite Market, which had a huge array of kites for sale and display. Another of the festival’s main attractions was the Kite View Food Zone; a series of pop-up food stalls, featuring local dishes and drinks from some of the best restaurants in the province.
In 2022, TAT is focusing on organising events to suit the New Normal conditions. To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, while also restoring traveller confidence, these events are guided by health guidelines and SHA (Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration) standards.
In addition to demonstrating the kingdom’s readiness to welcome back international travellers with safe and hygienic events, the International Kite Festival also showcased some of the vibrant and creative attractions that returning visitors can expect to enjoy in Thailand. With restrictions lifted and travellers returning in larger numbers, Thai tourism finally has the wind back in its sails
