Number of Myanmar visitors to Thailand grows by 39% during this year's first four months: TAT

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Number of Myanmar visitors to Thailand grows by 39% during this year's first four months: TAT

BANGKOK, 18 July 2016 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has seen potentials to promote Thailand as a medical hub and destination for Myanmar tourists and their families.

The agency plans to appoint marketing representatives in the neighboring country in September to promote these segments.

TAT executive director for ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Walailak Noypayak said that while Myanmar's economic growth has boosted the purchasing power of its citizens, just 1.15 million of Myanmar nationals out of a total of 54 millions have traveled abroad.

Myanmar people have been well aware of the positive image of Thai tourism regarding its modernity, luxury products and perfect shopping places, she said during a seminar entitled "AEC Focus: Myanmar 360 Degrees".

During the first four months of this year, tourist arrivals from Myanmar to Thailand rose by 39% to 142,331. The TAT expects 345,000 Myanmar visitors throughout this year, up by 26% from last year. Each is estimated to spend 43,000 baht per trip, up 5.7 percent. That would mark the highest increase among all ASEAN travelers to this country.

In 2017, the TAT projects Thailand will welcome 370,000 Myanmar visitors, up 7.3% from this year, and generate tourism-related incomes of about 17 billion baht, up 13%. Spending per trip for Myanmar tourists is expected to grow 6.5% to 45,946 baht next year.

Potential tourists are families and those who are health-conscious, along with those seeking medical treatment, said Ms Walailak.

She quoted a survey as saying 55.6% of Myanmar travelers preferred Thailand's beaches and diving spots. Although Myanmar itself has beautiful beaches, it lacks facilities and luxury hotels.

Private hospitals in Thailand also have growth potentials as there are already hospital representatives in Myanmar who recommend the Myanmar nationals come to Thailand to receive medical treatments, according to the TAT.


-- NNT 2016-07-18

[Usual Suspect]

What %age of Myanmar 'tourists' found themselves here c/o a Thai registered trawler..?

[PatOngo]

Potentially 39% more to blame........welcome.​

[anto]

Good news ,so lets not knock it .

[Jimbo2014]

Your right lets knock it

[jaltsc]

They can get jobs as surrogate prisoners.

[spidermike007]

Many in Burma are afraid of traveling to Thailand. The current administration has done a great job of sabotaging the countries once decent reputation. Burmese people are not held in high regard here, and are treated very poorly. Not even sure if the Thai people would understand the concept of a Burmese tourist. I am sure there are some who visit. But, the idea of making it a destination is a bit far fetched. Like most of the TAT's other policies. Hair brained, lacking in vision, poorly thought out, lacking innovation, and just plain old simple minded thinking.

[khunpa]

I wonder if these numbers include the 4 burmese guys, who under Thai-supervison, cleaned my garden last week?

[Khon Kaen Dave]

yeah,good,great for Thailand 39% wow thats gonna do the economy wonders.But do they actually spend any dosh here??

[cockatoowho]

Good news ,so lets not knock it .

You actually believe their claim, well I never.