Thailand partners with Tinder for matchmaking trips
 

Summer flings have long been a happy, occasional perk of travel.

But the Thai tourism authority is partnering with dating app Tinder to offer tour packages specifically for matchmaking purposes.

Though Thailand's borders are technically open to foreign tourists -- at least those who are willing to quarantine in a hotel room for two weeks and pay for a visa application -- the "Single Journey" initiative is aimed at locals as a way to encourage domestic travel.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country's official travel body, is planning nine itineraries throughout the country and is launching with three pilot trips. The first, which will take place on December 20, is a cruise along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River for up to 100 singletons.

The day-long experience includes sightseeing, dinner and a talk from a Feng Shui expert "who will share tips on how to pay homage to Buddha and ask for blessings," which should invariably give tongue-tied daters something to talk about.

The other two pilot experiences are a beachside party and concert in Phuket and a train trip to the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam in Lopburi, both in January 2021 and accommodating up to 50 people each. Bookings open on December 15 and can be made through the Sneaksdeal website (in Thai).

"The 'Single Travel Route' targets solo travelers who prefer to travel alone to various destinations in Thailand," TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said in a press statement.

The "Single Journey" initiative is just the latest idea to stimulate domestic tourism amid the coronavirus pandemic. In November, Thai Airways -- Thai Smile's parent company -- operated a one-off "flight to nowhere" that departed from and returned to Bangkok and flew over 99 sacred Buddhist sites across the country along the way.

Elsewhere, Taiwan's EVA Airlines had a similar idea of its own. The "Love Is In the Air" promotion has scheduled three flights -- on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day -- with on-board speed dating, followed by a romantic afternoon tea or candlelight dinner back on solid ground.
Just one question -- if a couple makes a love match while on one of these trips, will the tourism board also sponsor their future honeymoon?

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-tinder-single-journey-intl-hnk/index.html

Comprehension

Who will be the partner of the Thai tourism authority?
What are the reasons why Thai authorities would want to tie up with a dating app?
What are the plans of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)?
What can a couple experience in their travel?
What is a Single Travel route?
What is the initiative of Single Journey?
What is Taiwan's EVA promoting?

Discussion

What do you think of dating apps?
What are the good and bad things about dating apps?
Would you use a dating app?
What is the best way to find a partner?
How has dating changed over the years?
Can two people fall in love over the internet without meeting each other first?
How acceptable is online dating in your country?
When getting to know someone is it better to talk with them or text them?
Do you think some people know that they will fall in love with someone the first time they meet?
Describe your ideal romantic date. What would you do first, next, and then last?

Vocabulary

quarantine - enforced isolation of patients suffering from a contagious disease in order to prevent the spread of disease
initiative - readiness to embark on bold new ventures
itinerary - a guidebook for travellers
singletons - a single object (as distinguished from a pair)
invariably - without variation or change, in every case
candlelight - the light provided by a burning candle