webfact Posted Thursday at 02:26 AM Share Posted Thursday at 02:26 AM The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its target for Indian tourist arrivals from 2.3 to 2.4 million this year, spurred by the recently introduced visa-free policy for Indian nationals. This visa waiver programme, which permits 60-day visa-free stays, applies to citizens of 93 countries and will remain effective until November 2024. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Indian arrivals are anticipated to exceed 1 million by the end of this month, almost reaching half of the initial target of 2.08 million for the year. The revised target aims to contribute to the government’s goal of attracting 36.7 million tourists and generating 3.5 trillion baht in revenue in 2023, benefitting from consistent tourism numbers even during off-peak periods. Indian tourist arrivals this year are expected to hit a record high, surpassing the 1.9 million visitors in 2019, according to Thapanee. There is speculation among tourism operators that the Indian government might offer a reciprocal visa exemption for Thai tourists, though Thapanee clarified this remains unconfirmed. “In principle, two-way visa-free travel would significantly boost travel demand in both nations.” Currently, Thai citizens can apply for a one-month e-visa to visit India. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin indicated earlier this year that the government would persist in negotiations with India for a permanent reciprocal visa-free arrangement, following successful talks with China. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Asia and the South Pacific at TAT, announced plans for a promotional roadshow through four second-tier Indian cities: Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad, targeting potential tourists. “The TAT’s New Delhi office will focus on attracting small families and groups of friends to enjoy Thailand’s recreational activities.” Indian tourists’ average spending per trip has increased to 40,000 baht (US$1,080) this year, from 38,000 baht (US$1,030) in 2022. Flight connections between Thailand and India have recovered to 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has committed to raising the number of seats by 7,000 per week between Thailand and India starting in November. The Airlines Association of Thailand reported that seat quotas on Thailand-India routes are mainly held by Thai Airways International, with other carriers struggling to capture market share. Suksit Suvunditkul, President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, noted that Indian tourists remain among the top three markets for Phuket, visiting for various reasons including meetings, incentive groups, weddings, and family leisure tourism. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-06-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ozz1 Posted Thursday at 04:02 AM Popular Post Share Posted Thursday at 04:02 AM I can hear the ladyboys counting the gold chains come on down 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ourmanflint Posted Thursday at 05:06 AM Share Posted Thursday at 05:06 AM This is the solution to over tourism is it, how does that work? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthainess Posted Thursday at 05:18 AM Share Posted Thursday at 05:18 AM Well good news for them, they can get away from all the pollution in Those Cities. Oh wait a minute, now Thais can go to New Delhi for a breath of fresh air. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalcolmB Posted Thursday at 05:23 AM Share Posted Thursday at 05:23 AM 2 hours ago, webfact said: revised its target for Indian tourist arrivals from 2.3 to 2.4 million this year, This news will trigger the racists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted Thursday at 05:56 AM Share Posted Thursday at 05:56 AM 3 hours ago, webfact said: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its target for Indian tourist arrivals from 2.3 to 2.4 million this year, spurred by the recently introduced visa-free policy for Indian nationals. This visa waiver programme, which permits 60-day visa-free stays, applies to citizens of 93 countries and will remain effective until November 2024. Said by some to have not filtered through to the borders yet, still stamping 30 days on entry? Maybe the 1,900 fee for extension is still needed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted Thursday at 05:56 AM Share Posted Thursday at 05:56 AM 32 minutes ago, MalcolmB said: This news will trigger the racists. I know the working girls will not be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcmj Posted Thursday at 06:45 AM Share Posted Thursday at 06:45 AM Well so much for the quality high spending tourist. Grab a beer and 4 straws 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burma Bill Posted Thursday at 06:49 AM Share Posted Thursday at 06:49 AM 4 hours ago, webfact said: Indian tourist arrivals this year are expected to hit a record high Bye Bye Ladyboy cabarets - Welcome Bollywood! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchis Posted Thursday at 06:51 AM Share Posted Thursday at 06:51 AM like the other 60 days exempt not applied yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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