The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Mastercard launched the Stopover Bangkok Project at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2011 on 8 June 2011 in an effort to encourage potentially thousands of transit passengers to enjoy a stopover break for a night or two in Bangkok.
For years, Bangkok has been a major transit stop for air travellers connecting from the Middle East, Europe and Africa to onward flights in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand. This creates an opportunity to give them a sneak preview of the capital and its surrounding areas, so that they may return for extended visits in the future.

The TAT has received support from 122 renowned Bangkok-based service providers in providing amazing stopover offers in 11 thematic tour categories: adventure and excursion, art and culture, beauty and spa, ethics and local tours, fine dining, golf day and night, health and medical, shopping, shows and entertainment, Thai cooking class and transportation.

There are also seven suggested tour-routes such as: Amazing Bangkok, Art and Senses Route, Bangkok Nightcrawlers, Floating and Exotic Markets, Gourmet Route, Shop Drop and Spa, and Shopping Route.

The campaign runs from now until 31 October 2011. It is being supported by airlines which fly to Bangkok as well as overseas travel agents. Mastercard holders will enjoy special top-up privileges and discounts starting from 5% up to 20%.