Thai tourism grows 12%
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reports international tourist arrivals reached more than 14.15 million, an improvement of 12.92% during January to May this year.
Released late last week, the ministry’s data showed the country attracted 14,158,649 international visits during the first five months of this year compared to 12,538,307 visits during the same period last year.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said to cope with the influx of tourists the country should strengthen safety and security measures to improve the travel environment for both domestic and international travellers.
“The country authorities have stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of visitors by reviewing all safety standards and regulations for all modes of transports,” she said.
In May alone, visits reached 2,476,505, an increase of 7.59% from 2,301,696 visits during the same month last year.
By regions, all markets recorded increases in May except Oceania.
The Americas recorded the highest growth of 13.98% from 91,121 to 103,861 visits. Argentina reported a 68.28% increase from 1,797 to 3,024.
The United States recorded the highest arrivals at 72,037, up 12.72% from 63,906 followed by Canada (18,920; +9.40%) and Brazil (3,932; +30.76%).
South Asia represented an increase of 13.35% from 136,544 to 154,779 visits. India led supplying 128,573 visits up 16.66% from 110,211 followed by Bangladesh (7,319; -12.38%), Pakistan (6,938; +4.98%), Sri Lanka (5,480; -17.52%) and Nepal (2,996; +89.62%).
Europe grew 11.65% from 276,764 visits to 309,007 visits. The markets that showed improvements were: Russia (+34.98%); East Europe (+24.81%); Germany (+17.14%); Spain (+10.49%); Italy (+8.79%); Austria (+6.49%); Sweden (+5.92%); Norway (+5.24%); the United Kingdom (+4.21%); the Netherlands (+2.15%); Denmark (+1.72%); France (+1.11%); Belgium (+0.43%); Switzerland (+0.22%); and Ireland (+0.21%).
Finland was the only market that showed a decline of 1.45%.
East Asia (ASEAN included) posted a growth of 6.60% from 1,671,704 to 1,782,116 visits.
The markets that showed improvements were: Myanmar (+39.01%); Cambodia (+31.80%); Indonesia (+16.19%); Laos (+11.44%); China (+10.55%); South Korea (+7.45%); Vietnam (+4.09%); Philippines (+2.33%); and Malaysia (+0.51%).
The markets that showed declines were: Taiwan (-18.92%); Brunei (-16.77%); Japan (-2.69%); Singapore (-1.50%); and Hong Kong (-1.21%).
Africa showed an increase of 4.19% from 12,338 to 12,855 visits. The main market South Africa increased 4.55% from 5,299 to 5,540.
The Middle East recorded a growth of 1.78% from 47,467 to 48,310 visits. The United Arab Emirates posted the highest arrivals with 9,975 visits increasing 1.56% from 9,822 visits.
Other main markets in the Middle East: Israel (7,023; +20.50%); Kuwait (5,031; -24.13%); Egypt (2,122+9.66%); and Saudi Arabia (1,825; +14.35%).
In contrast, Oceania reported a drop of 0.28% from 65,758 to 65,577 visits. The main market Australia showed a decline of 0.30% (56,515), while New Zealand slightly increased 0.20% (8,732). 
