Big draw: Tourists take photos in front of the Patong Beach in the Thai island of Phuket. Easing of visa exemptions and immigration rules are luring tourists to the country. — AFP
BANGKOK: Thailand is expected to generate 62 billion baht in tourism revenue from Thai and foreign travellers during the New Year festival, up 23% year-on-year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool expects 1.56 million foreign travellers to visit Thailand between Dec 21 and Jan 1, representing a 16% increase over 2023.
They are expected to generate 45 billion baht in tourism revenue, up 20% year-on-year, she added
She attributed the increases to the government’s decisions on visa exemptions and the easing of immigration rules as well as the introduction of additional flights that have attracted foreign tourists to Thailand, including those from China, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Scandinavia and France.
“World-class events introduced by TAT and its partners are also drawing foreign travellers and influencers to Thailand,” she said, adding that the country has been recognised by global media outlets, such as Conde Nast Traveller, Timeout and Lonely Planet.
Thapanee expects 4.41 million Thai travellers to travel domestically per trip, up 29% year-on-year.
They are expected to generate 17 billion baht in tourism revenue, up 30% over the same period in 2023, she said.
Positive factors for domestic tourism include the government’s extra holiday from Dec 28 to Jan 1, as well as measures to stimulate northern tourism and offer a 30% discount on domestic flight tickets, she said.
She added that the cool temperature and the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at IconSiam shopping mall in Bangkok would offer a good travel experience.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that Thailand welcomed 32.02 million foreign travellers from January to December this year, up 28% year-on-year.
They generated 1.50 trillion baht in tourism revenue, he said. The top five foreign visitors hailed from China (6.21 million), Malaysia (4.5 million), India (1.91 million), South Korea (1.68 million) and Russia (1.50 million). — The Nation/ANN
