BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Some 12.87 million foreigners have visited Thailand in the first six months of this year, which means it is still on track of meeting its target of up to 30 million arrivals in 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said.
Data from the Tourism and Sports Ministry shows that most of the visitors came from Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea and India.
TAT reckons at this rate, the tourism industry will reach 80% of the 2019 level, with an estimated maximum revenue of 2.38 trillion baht. This projection is based on the arrival of 25-30 million foreigners generating approximately 1.5 trillion baht in revenue.
The agency also expects Thai nationals to contribute to these earnings by making 117 to 135 trips to local destinations.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said he believed that from July onwards, Thailand will see some 2 million arrivals per month and this number will rise to 3 million per month in the fourth quarter when the high season kicks off.
Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, TAT deputy governor for the domestic market, added that the country’s ongoing political situation will not affect TAT’s strategy in promoting domestic attractions.
“Even if there are political rallies, TAT will still continue its marketing campaigns to strengthen the confidence of visitors and boost the country’s image,” Thapanee said, who is set to succeed Yuthasak as TAT governor from Sept 1.
“We need to show visitors that Thais can coexist with each other despite different political opinions, and also that Thailand is a safe place to travel.”
Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the government should be formed as soon as possible to ensure a seamless implementation of tourism promotion policies.
“The new government should continue giving ‘booster shots’ to small tour operators, who have been relying on campaigns like ‘We Travel Together’ since the pandemic,” he said.
“They need to know that the government has other subsidies and stimulus programmes planned for the tourism industry, so they can plan their business accordingly.”
