Thailand partners with Tinder for matchmaking trips

Thailand's tourism board is partnering with dating app Tinder to promote matchmaking holidays for single people.

Thailand's tourism industry slowly creaked back to life towards the end of the year with the gradual rollout of 60- and 90-day visas for international travelers. But tourism, including domestic tourism, is still struggling amid the pandemic. In an effort to give it a little boost as we head into 2021, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the official tourism body of Thailand, has partnered with Tinder to offer singles packages to locals.

Travelers from around the world can go to Thailand - if they meet these requirements

Aerial view of beach at Koh Khai — One of the Tinder packages includes a beach party on Koh Khai ©Getty Images/iStockphoto

The first trip launched on December 20, free of charge, as a sightseeing cruise along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It stopped at nine temples and was hosted by fortune teller Chang-Tosaporn Sritula, who got the conversation started among the 100 guests on board by sharing "tips on how to pay homage to Buddha and ask for blessings."

The second trip will run on January 9, with spaces available for 50 single people. It includes a beach party and concert at Koh Khai, off the coast of Phuket. The third tour accommodates up to 50 singletons and is scheduled for January 23 and is a one-day train trip across the vast Pa Sak Jolasid Dam in Lopburi, Thailand's 'Monkey City', and dinner at the dam. More routes will be added soon, including trips to bustling Pattaya, and the tranquil hills of Mae Hong Son.

"The 'Single Travel Route' targets solo travelers who prefer to travel alone to various destinations in Thailand," TAT Governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, said in a statement. "Tourism connects people, and some people might end up being lifetime partners," he added. "Tourists can also help to support tourism and the economy during tough times." Bookings are available to domestic tourists only and can be made through the Sneaksdeal website (in Thai).

This week TAT launched a smart map application to provide tourists with fast access to information for safe travel. The app covers more than 1000 attractions, accommodations, restaurants and places of interest in 11 popular tourist routes near Bangkok with information on public health measures, certificates and awards. The app is currently available in Thai, with plans to further develop it in English and Chinese.