Thailand’s tourism sector soared in 2023, welcoming over 28 million foreign tourists and generating 1.2 trillion baht, with a 44% revenue surge during the New Year period.
Bangkok, Thailand – The Thai tourism industry has demonstrated a remarkable rebound in 2023, with the latest figures presented by Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, indicating a significant influx of foreign tourists and a substantial increase in tourism revenue.
Surge in Foreign Tourist Arrivals
In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28 million international visitors, generating an impressive income of more than 1.2 trillion baht. The primary contributors to this influx were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia, with Malaysian tourists leading the pack.
However, a notable shift was observed in the final week of December 2023. Despite a slight 0.9% decrease in foreign tourist numbers compared to the preceding week, there was an increase in tourists from specific regions, particularly during the New Year celebrations and winter holidays.
Key Statistics and Trends
Top Five Source Countries: Malaysia (4,563,020 tourists), China (3,519,735 tourists), South Korea (1,658,688 tourists), India (1,626,720 tourists), and Russia (1,481,878 tourists).
Weekly Fluctuations: The number of Russian and Chinese tourists increased by 12.84% and 4.95%, respectively, while the number of Malaysian, Korean, and Indian tourists saw a decrease.
A 44% Increase in Tourism Revenue
As the new year commenced, Thailand’s tourism revenue saw a remarkable 44% surge, attributed largely to the visa-free scheme and extended entertainment hours in key tourist areas. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted that from December 22 to January 1, the country earned a staggering 54.4 billion baht (US$1,588,321,152), marking a significant year-on-year increase.
Boost in Visitor Expenditure and Domestic Travel
International Visitors: Thailand hosted 1.1 million visitors during this period, with their expenditure totaling approximately 41.7 billion baht (US$1,217,518,236).
Domestic Travel: There was also an uptick in domestic travel, with Thais embarking on about 3.76 million domestic trips, contributing 12.7 billion baht (US$370,802,916) to the economy.
Celebratory Events and Hotel Occupancy
The TAT collaborated with various partners to host new year celebrations across several provinces. These events attracted 1.11 million domestic visitors and generated 4.7 billion baht (US$ 137,226,276) in revenue. Notably, hotel occupancy rates soared to an average of 82%, with Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai being the most popular destinations.
Forward Outlook
The start of 2024 sets a promising precedent for Thailand’s tourism industry, a vital contributor to the nation’s economy. With initiatives like the visa-free scheme and extended entertainment hours, the TAT remains optimistic about sustaining this growth trajectory in 2024.
Source: traveldailynews.asia
