Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s tourism-related
revenue surged by 44% during the New Year countdown period thanks to a
visa-free scheme and extended operating hours of entertainment places,
according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboon said that from
December 22 to January 1 the country generated 54.4 billion THB (1.58 billion
USD) in tourism-related revenue. The amount rose by 44% from revenue in the
same period last year.
Thapanee estimated revenue from 1.1 million visitors
during the period at 41.7 billion THB, 60% higher year-on-year.
She said the increase resulted partly from the
government’s visa-free scheme for visitors from China, India, Kazakhstan,
Russia and Taiwan (China) and permission for entertainment places to open until
4am in the tourist provinces of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phuket and
Surat Thani (Koh Samui).
Meanwhile, Thais made 3.76 million domestic trips during
the period. They spent about 12.7 billion THB, up by 11% from a year earlier,
the TAT Governor said.
According to Thapanee, the TAT and partners
organised New Year celebration events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon
Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Roi Et, Songkhla and Suphan
Buri.
The provinces welcomed 1.11 million domestic visitors
altogether, up by 11%, and revenue from the events amounted to 4.7 billion THB,
up by 14%.
The average hotel occupancy rate was at 82% and
Bangkok was the most popular destination, followed by Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang
Mai, Thapanee said.
The Thai government is aiming to generate 3.5
trillion THB for the economy through the tourism industry this year, as it plans
to promote the country as a year-round tourism destination.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that in
2023, Thailand welcomed more than 27 million foreign visitors, with Malaysians
forming the biggest group, followed by those from China.
As the government is targeting 3.5 trillion THB in
tourism revenues this year, authorities are rolling out a campaign to promote
Thailand as a destination that can be visited throughout the year.
The campaign will see lesser-known tourist destinations
promoted alongside those which are already well-known among tourists, he said.
The government expects revenue of 1 trillion THB (28.5 bilion USD) from domestic tourists and 2.5 trillion THB (71.5 billion USD) from foreign visitors, he said./.
