Thailand (TAT) is expecting more than 1 million foreign tourists to arrive in
the country this Lunar New Year holiday from January 8-16.
According to Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan
Wangsuphakijkosol, during the upcoming New Year festival, Thailand hopes to
welcome about 195,825 tourists from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (China). This
represents a 137% increase compared to the previous year, generating total
income of 11.40 billion THB (320 million USD), up 157% over the same period
last year.
The official notes that the positive tourism atmosphere can
be attributed to favourable travel conditions, Thailand’s visa waiver policy,
and increased flight availability.
Among the Chinese tourists, it is anticipated that the
majority, about 150,295 people, will come from China, marking a 335% increase
from 2023. Hong Kong is expected to contribute 22,830 tourists, while the
number of tourists from Taiwan is predicted to reach 22,700.
Sudawan estimates that the average spending per Chinese
tourist from these markets during the 2024 Lunar New Year celebration will be
58,236 THB per person per trip, reflecting an 8% increase from 2023.
Most of the spending will likely be concentrated in Bangkok,
where Chinese tourists, especially from Hong Kong and Taiwan, tend to stay at
high-end hotels.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatpaiboon predicted that the total
revenue during the Lunar New Year celebration will reach 34.39 billion THB, 29%
more than in 2023.
She asserted that international markets will contribute
28.39 billion BHT, a 36% increase driven by an expected 34% growth in the
number of foreign tourists to 995,000. The revenue from domestic tourism is
projected to be 6 billion THB, a 6% increase, driven by an expected 10%
increase in the number of Thai domestic tourists to 2 million./.
