Thailand Nears 33 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2024 Boost

[webfact]

FILE photo courtesy; TTG Asia

 

Thailand is basking in the glow of a tourism resurgence, with nearly 33 million foreign visitors having crossed its borders by 8th December 2024. This remarkable influx, welcomed by locals and businesses alike, has injected an impressive 1.5 trillion Thai Baht into the economy, underscoring the country's enduring allure as a travel destination.

 

The country has long been a magnet for global travellers, and this year the top contributors include China, with 6.3 million tourists, followed by Malaysia (4.6 million), India (1.9 million), South Korea (1.7 million), and Russia (1.5 million). The diversity of visitors reflects Thailand's wide-ranging appeal, from its bustling cities to serene beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant markets.

 

In the remaining few weeks of December, Thailand anticipates an influx of long-haul visitors, particularly from European nations. This expectation is buoyed by strategic tourism campaigns and the implementation of 'Ease of Travelling' measures.

 

These initiatives aim to make the journey to Thailand smoother and more enticing, addressing travel concerns and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

A notable development in boosting connectivity is the inauguration of direct flights by Italian airline Neos between Ostrava, a key industrial hub in the Czech Republic, and the holiday haven of Phuket. This new route is part of a broader strategy to attract around 60,000 Czech travellers to Thailand by 2025, augmenting the country's dynamic tourism landscape.

 

The significant increase in inbound seat capacity by 10% in the latter half of 2024 has also been pivotal. This boost has helped facilitate the seamless arrival of tourists, reflecting the successful interplay of government initiatives and airline cooperation.

 

Jirayu Houngsub, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, expressed optimism about the continued growth in tourist numbers. The measures undertaken have evidently paid dividends, as Thailand positions itself not just as a tourist haven but as a resilient player in the global tourism market.

 

Thailand's tourism sector is a cornerstone of its economic framework, contributing significantly to the GDP and providing a livelihood for millions. As 2024 draws to a close, the trajectory seems promising for a robust 2025, with expectations riding high on a continued upward trend. As the nation gears up for the year's end, Thailand is poised to capture the imaginations—and bookings—of even more travellers worldwide, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-16

 

 

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Thai and mighty: Tourism takes off with a Bangkok load of visitors
by Bob Scott Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Feel Free Travel

Thailand’s back on the world’s travel map with a record-breaking wave of tourists flooding its shores, boosting the nation’s coffers and setting sights on even sunnier outcomes.

 

In a spectacular show of popularity, more than 37.72 million globe-trotters have flocked to the Land of Smiles between January 1 and December 8 this year, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap. This tourism boom has funneled a staggering 1.535 trillion baht into the Thai economy.

 

China leads the charge with 6.3 million visitors, keeping the tourism tills ringing, closely followed by Malaysia with 4.6 million wanderers, India with 1.9 million sightseers, South Korea with 1.7 million travellers, and Russia with 1.55 million sun-seekers.

The High Season is far from over, with even more jet-setters expected from Europe. The Ease of Travelling system is rolling out the red carpet, promising smooth sailing for international tourists with easy access to a wealth of travel tidbits.

In a high-flying development, Neos Air took to the skies on December 13, with direct flights from Ostrava, Czech Republic, to Phuket, setting the stage for an influx of high-spending Czech visitors. The numbers are set to soar, with the government predicting 60,000 Czech tourists in 2024 and an even loftier 78,000 in 2025, propelled by savvy tourism marketing.

 

Tourist magnets like Krabi and Phang Nga (Khao Lak) are bracing for the economic high tide, with hopes of hitting a 5 billion baht jackpot by 2025. With strategic initiatives in place, Thailand’s tourism sector looks set to sparkle and shine brighter than ever.

 

Picture of Phang Nga Bay courtesy of Aleenta

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-12-16

 

 

[DonniePeverley]

Utterly disgusting level of numbers, that has come about because of panic measures after the pandemic - opening up to cheap mass tourism. 

 

If the USA, UK, Europe, Australia all opened up to mass indian tourism, or Chinese tourism they would get numbers in the hundreds of millions. 

 

Thailand has ruined tourism as an upscale tourist destination by catering to cheap mass tourism.

 

The policies of this government have been utterly disgusting. You have some of the most collective worst set of tourists in the world descending on Thailand. No other country has such an open, absurd border policy. 

 

An enviromental, and ecoligical disaster too. 

[cowellandrew]

4 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Utterly disgusting level of numbers, that has come about because of panic measures after the pandemic - opening up to cheap mass tourism. 

 

If the USA, UK, Europe, Australia all opened up to mass indian tourism, or Chinese tourism they would get numbers in the hundreds of millions. 

 

Thailand has ruined tourism as an upscale tourist destination by catering to cheap mass tourism.

 

The policies of this government have been utterly disgusting. You have some of the most collective worst set of tourists in the world descending on Thailand. No other country has such an open, absurd border policy. 

 

An enviromental, and ecoligical disaster too. 

Try the UKs absurd border policy!

At least the visitors going to Thailand are bringing some holiday money!

 

This tourism boom has funneled a staggering 1.535 trillion baht into the Thai economy.

 

☻☻😬👮‍♂️🐘🐒

[blaze master]

5 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Thailand has ruined tourism as an upscale tourist destination by catering to cheap mass tourism.

 

Thailand was never an upscale destination. 

[GammaGlobulin]

When will this begin to taper off and then die down?

 

[DonniePeverley]

14 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

Thailand was never an upscale destination. 

 

 

It has some of the most beautiful natural beauty in the world to be an upscale destination.

 

Barbados, Aruba, some of these islands in the Phillippines, Malaysia keep it strictly upscale. 

 

Thailand is just a cesspitt at the moment since the new government have opened up the borders. Far more long term people staying - be it draft dodgers, criminals, etc 

[DonniePeverley]

14 hours ago, cowellandrew said:

Try the UKs absurd border policy!

At least the visitors going to Thailand are bringing some holiday money!

 

This tourism boom has funneled a staggering 1.535 trillion baht into the Thai economy.

 

☻☻😬👮‍♂️🐘🐒

 

Tell that to a Thai that the UK has an easy 'absurd' border policy. It's impossible for your average Thai to get a visa to come visit the UK. 

 

Thailand currently has a border policy that even a criminal with a hundred million convictions for the most heinous of crimes, from a country in Africa or India itself can just come and live in Thailand.