Thailand attracts 11.6 million visits
International tourist arrivals to Thailand reached 11.6 million, an improvement of 14.12% during January to April, this year, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Released earlier this week, the ministry’s data showed the country attracted 11,682,144 international visits during the first four months of the year compared to 10,236,611 visits during the same period last year.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said the target for the second quarter is 7.46 million visits (April to June) representing an increase of 6.9%. Revenue should increase 10.8% to THB355 billion.
“China and ASEAN would continue to be the main drivers in Q2, projected at 2.18 million visits each … China will increase 9.3% and ASEAN 6.7% during the second quarter.”
By June, tourist visits from Europe will top 1.01 million, a 7.5% increase.
In April alone, foreign travellers recorded 2,643,251 visits, an increase of 9.79% from 2,407,458 visits during the same month last year.
By regions, all markets recorded increases, January to April, except for Africa and Oceania.
The Middle East recorded the highest growth of 21.96% up from 48,858 to 59,588 visits. Israel posted the highest arrivals with 15,476 visits increasing 61.60% from 9,577 visits.
Other main markets in the Middle East: United Arab Emirates (9,452; +2.17%); Kuwait (4,515; +10.63%); Egypt (2,379; +17.19%) and Saudi Arabia (1,576; +17.88%).
Europe grew 10.51% from 390,480 visits to 431,534 visits. The markets that showed improvements were: Russia (+46.17%); Finland (+21.01%); East Europe (+18.38%); the Netherlands (+18.14%); Denmark (+13.13%); Germany (+10.08%); France (+8.19%); Sweden (+5.49%); Spain (+1.50%); Austria (+0.44%); and Italy (+0.10%).
The markets that showed declines were: Belgium (-20.57%); Switzerland (-15.22%); Ireland (-5.49%); Norway (-2.80%); and the UK (-1.73%).
East Asia (ASEAN included) posted a growth of 10.35% from 1,661,177 to 1,833,118 visits.
The markets that showed improvements were: Cambodia (+47.07%); Myanmar (+45.38%); Laos (+17.90%); China (+16.38%); South Korea (+10.98%); Malaysia (+7.36%); the Philippines (+4.81%); Japan (+4.69%); Singapore (+2.75%); and Indonesia (+0.41%).
The markets that showed declines were: Hong Kong (-19.51%); Vietnam (-14.87%); Taiwan (-9.61%); and Brunei (-1.17%).
Americas increased 8.58% from 98,869 to 107,349 visits. Argentina reported a 45.39% increase from 2,798 to 4,068.
The US recorded the highest arrivals at 74,755 up 10.83% from 67,450 followed by Canada (18,825; -2.58%) and Brazil (4,543; +9.97%).
South Asia represented an increase of 6.88% from 113,419 to 121,219 visits. India led the field supplying 94,012 visits growing 9.76% from 85,653 followed by Sri Lanka (8,080; -5.68%), Bangladesh (7,693; -1.90%), Pakistan (5,260; -19.46%) and Nepal (3,102; +52.13%).
In contrast, Africa showed a decline of 4.25% from 15,098 to 14,457 visits. The main market South Africa decreased 16.52% from 8,300 to 6,929.
Oceania reported a drop off 4.49% from 79,557 to 75,986 visits. The main markets New Zealand and Australia showed declines of 7.38% (8,299) and 4.13% (67,457) respectively.
