Tourists ride a hop-on hop-off cruise boat along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, March 2023. Photo by AFP
Thailand, whose economy heavily relies on tourism, targets at least 10.1 million foreign arrivals in the fourth quarter, representing a 25% year-on-year increase, to meet its annual target of 36.7 million tourists.
To achieve this goal, the tourism industry must attract at least 3.5 million international visitors per month during the last three months of the year, said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
The Thai tourism sector remains optimistic, bolstered by numerous year-end promotions and expanded flight capacities, especially with new routes added.
New inbound flights are being launched from countries including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the U.K., Germany, Poland, and Australia, Thapanee added.
So far this year, Thailand has welcomed 26.6 million foreign visitors, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Looking ahead, the Thai government has set a target of attracting 40 million foreign tourists next year.
A co-payment tourism promotion scheme aimed at revitalizing northern Thailand, which has been affected by severe flooding, will be proposed to the cabinet for approval, Khaosod English news site reported citing Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
The scheme will offer subsidies of up to 400 baht (US$12) per trip for 10,000 people who visit the northern region later this year.
It is part of the Thai government’s efforts to help rehabilitate the economy in flood-impacted areas, particularly Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
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