Travel Thailand Trims 2025 Tourism Ambitions Amid Global Concerns

[webfact]

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

In a surprise twist, Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry has scaled back its 2025 tourism revenue forecast to 3 trillion baht, down from the optimistic 3.5 trillion baht target.

 

The revised prediction reflects both domestic unease and international tensions potentially impacting tourism. The Ministry foresees a balanced revenue stream: 2 trillion baht from international visitors and 1 trillion baht from the domestic crowd.

 

Permanent Secretary Nattareeya Thaweewong announced this revision on April 22, citing travel safety issues, earthquake impacts, and international factors like the trade tensions sparked by US-imposed tariffs under President Donald Trump.

 

In light of these complexities, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been tasked with revamping its marketing tactics.

 

 

 

Skipping the usual workshops, the Ministry demands a streamlined, effective strategy taking shape by next month.

 

Additionally, TAT's emphasis shifts towards luring affluent, high-spending tourists over sheer visitor volume, with heightened attention to visitors from the Middle East and select European countries not currently favouring travel to the United States.

 

The focus sharpens on attracting tourists from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and European destinations such as Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the UK. Traditional markets receiving less traffic will see event spending curtailed, realigning investments towards more promising regions.

 

This resource allocation strategy aims to ensure optimum engagement with lucrative international audiences, according to The Nation.

 

As Thailand recalibrates its tourism framework, adaptability remains core, with aspirations set on luxury and medical tourism amidst global volatility. This strategic pivot positions Thailand to capitalise on emerging travel trends, whilst navigating a fluctuating international scene.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-23

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

That forecast is going to need a bit more trimming methinks. 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In a surprise twist, Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry has scaled back its 2025 tourism revenue forecast to 3 trillion baht, down from the optimistic 3.5 trillion baht target.

China not playing ball...