Thailand Gears Up for Tourist Boom: 12.2 Million Expected by Year-End

[DULEROY]

On 9/2/2024 at 5:29 PM, snoop1130 said:

 

Thailand is on track to witness a dramatic uptick in foreign arrivals, targeting an impressive 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This expected influx aims to push the annual total to nearly 36 million tourists, generating an anticipated 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

 

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, attributes this optimistic forecast to several key factors. The visa-free scheme, an array of festive events, and the resumption of international flights, now at 82% of their 2019 level, are all set to give tourism a significant boost. As of September 1, foreign arrivals have already reached 23 million, with substantial numbers coming from East Asia—particularly China—followed by Europe and South Asia.

 

However, the road ahead isn't without its hurdles. Thapanee noted that fierce competition from other Asian destinations, global economic unpredictability, and geopolitical conflicts pose significant risks. Despite these challenges, the domestic tourism landscape looks promising, with TAT projecting 72.5 million local trips and a revenue injection of 335 billion baht over the next four months.

 

In a strategic move to capture the Chinese market, TAT recently signed a letter of intent with Nanjing Tuniu International Travel Service on August 30. This partnership aims to attract Chinese tourists, especially independent travellers, through data sharing and joint participation in travel events. Nonglux Yooyendee, Director of TAT’s Shanghai office, highlighted ongoing collaborations with Tuniu, citing summer camp trips for Chinese students as an example.

 

 

October 18, 2024
Here is the latest report from the Thailand Tourism Authority (MOT) which includes the month of September
It is clear that the record of 35 million tourists from 2019 will not be reached!!!
That is a total of 26,088,855 Tourists entering the kingdom
So the Russian Federation is in 5th position despite the war with Ukraine 😀
Also observe the entries of Ukrainians ...
Note that the data of tourist visas or exemptions are automated between the immigration office of the gigantic BIPCIS database and the economic statistics division of the MOT

 

The focus is on high-spending Chinese tourists to mitigate the impact of China's slower economy. Tourists booking through Tuniu typically spend around 3,000 yuan, or 14,400 baht, per day in Thailand. Tuniu has seen a 161% year-on-year increase in group tour bookings to Thailand in the first seven months of 2024, which bodes well for reaching TAT’s target of 8 million Chinese visitors by year-end.

 

To achieve this ambitious goal, an additional 3.25 million arrivals from China are needed. Despite challenges like recent flooding, Thapanee reassured that tourism sentiment remains upbeat, with a steady flow of tourists observed in the past week.

 

Thailand's tourism sector looks poised for a vibrant resurgence, promising a robust finale to 2024.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-02

 

 

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[Purdey]

Reliance on a seasonal industry relying on low-educated people bodes poorly for the country's development. Tourists can turn on a whim and go somewhere else more beautiful.

Invest in a good education and build high tech industries is more long-term.