Visa exemption measure credited for tourism income increase

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Visa exemption measure credited for tourism income increase

By The Nation

 

FILE photo

 

Visa exemptions for tourists from 21 countries helped boost tourism income by Bt47.553 billion during a six-month period last year, a spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said.

 

Nattaporn Jatusripitak, spokesman attached to the deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, said the visa exemption for 21 nations from March 1 to August 31 2017 caused the government lo lose income from visa issuance by Bt7.19 billion, but tourism income during the period increased by Bt47.553 billion.

 

The figures came from the Tourism and Sports Ministry's report to the Cabinet on Tuesday.

 

The ministry told the Cabinet that the visa exemption measure for the 21 nations did not have to be extended as tourism income had improved, Nattaporn said.

 

During the period, 6.06 million tourists from the 21 countries were granted visa exemption and their number increased by 4.46 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year.

 

The number of tourists from the 21 countries constituted 34.97 per cent of all 17.35 million tourists from all countries, who boosted the country’s coffers by Bt303.143 billion during the period. Tourism income during the period increased by 6.64 per cent, the spokesman added.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30341396

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-21

[JOC]

Just love when the people in charge of tourism here are playing with numbers.....

[mickmac]

I hope they have the dart board registered with the local BiB.

[jacko45k]

2 hours ago, JOC said:

Just love when the people in charge of tourism here are playing with numbers.....

And have a licence for it!

[nong38]

Everytime I am on route 7 approaching BKK I never see 2 aircraft landing in the time slot before BKK is behind me, so in the 5-10 the maximum passengers that could arrive is what 500? The figures just don't add up. Approach to London Heathrow from 0600 to 2400 plane are landing and taking off every minute, you can see 3-6 approaching with the naked eye and yet we are lead to believe that arrival numbers are not too much different, believe what you want the truth is out there, or up there.

[neeray]

The effort must be bringing in Cheap Charlies.  I have several friends who work in upscale, traditional Thai massage spas (no, not rub and tug).

They tell me that hotel is full but business is more like low season in high season.  Tourists just aren’t indulging. And tipping seems to be a thing of the past. 

[visarunner]

I think they refer to not collecting the fee for visa on arrival , as this involves India and Chinese it surely will have a big impact. On the other hand the fee is up again to THB 2,000.-. Me too can not make up the numbers....