Thailand tourism makes gains

International tourist arrivals to Thailand posted an improvement of 23.54% during January to March this year according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ data.

Released late last week, the ministry data showed  that during the first quarter the country attracted 7,876,726 international visits up from 6,375,880 visits during the same period last year.

Tourism and Sports Minister, Konkarn Wattanavrangkul, said the tourism sector has enjoyed a boost in the first quarter, thanks to a large influx of Chinese tourists.

“Tourism has  bounced back  since the last quarter 2014. Tourists from mainland China have replaced the declining number of Russian visitors who suffered from the current economic crisis in Europe.”

Of the top 10 supply markets, seven were in Asia led by China and Malaysia. There were just three European markets, Russia, Germany and UK in the top 10 list for the first quarter, a clear indicator that Asian markets dominate the supply chain. However, once tourism revenue, rather than arrivals, is adopted as the benchmark, European markets enjoy a stronger presence in the top 10 chart.

High revenue events and business tourism suffered the most during the political crisis 2006 through to 2013, but trends indicate the MICE market is now in recovery.

The lifting of martial law in Thailand, last month, will also benefit the country’s tourism, the minister added.

“It will rebuild tourist confidence especially for the MICE sector., which was badly hit during the political crisis.”

The minister noted plans have been drafted that will help to create a strong base for tourism growth, both the medium to long-term.

The ministry has implemented a number of tourism promotions such as the “Discover Thailand” campaign, while building a stronger tourism foundation. It is tackling tourist safety measures, reducing illegal tourism businesses, promoting second-tier cities as destinations, and promoting local cultures and traditions. More cooperation with neighbouring countries has been endorsed in order to increase intra-regional travel.

March performance by region

In March alone, foreign travellers recorded 2,532,600 visits, an increase of 25.50% when compared to 2,018,008 visits in March 2014. All markets recorded increases except Europe in the third month of the year.

East Asia (ASEAN included) reported an increase of 55.16% from 1,056,544 to 1,639,363 visits. The markets that showed improvements were: Hong Kong (+151.36%); China (+112.47%); Taiwan (+96.91%); Brunei (+83.68%); Myanmar (+50.52%); Malaysia (+47.56%); Singapore (+30.73%); South Korea (+25.44%); Vietnam (+17.39%); the Philippines (+16.28%); Japan (+16.04%); Laos (+2.64%); and Cambodia (+1.24%).

Indonesia was the only market that declined 16.02% from 46,509 visits to 39,059 visits.

The Middle East gained 29.90% from 44,509 to 57,815 visits. Israel led the field with 14,168 visits increasing 45.85% from 9,714 visits. Other main markets: the United Arab Emirates (11,855; +27.28%); Kuwait (3,619; +24.88%); Egypt (1,690; -8.99%); and Saudi Arabia (1,420; +34.98%).

South Asia represented an 11.04% increase from 95,660 to 106,218 visits. India led the field supplying 78,014 visits growing 6.68% from 73,126 followed by Bangladesh (9,237; +53.13%), Pakistan (7,252; +6.58%), Sri Lanka (6,199; +10.18%) and Nepal (2,268; +41.75%).

The Americas improved 8.95% from 100,548 to 109,551 visits. Argentina posted a 36.67% increase from 3,054 to 4,174.

The United States recorded the highest arrivals at 73,369 up 6.92% from 68,622 followed by Canada (22,498; +11.07%) and Brazil (4,126; +0.66%).

Africa recorded a slight growth of 1.56% from 12,476 to 12,671 visits. The main market South Africa improved just 3.09% from 5,206 to 5,367.

Oceania posted a minimal increase of 1.37% from 67,567 to 68,493 visits. The main market New Zealand improved 5.67% (7,251) and Australia increased 0.70% (60,935).

Declines in Europe

In contrast, Europe continued to decline at 15.95% from 640,704 to 538,489 visits. The markets recording declines were: Russia (-59.78%); Sweden (-9.69%); Finland (-7.74%); Netherlands (-2.41%); France (-1.89); Switzerland (-1.00%); and Denmark (-0.09%).

The markets that showed improvements were: Spain (+30.60%); Italy (+16.66%); Germany (+15.27%); Belgium (+11.95%); Austria (+7.10%); Ireland (+6.65%); Norway (+6.63%); United Kingdom (+6.58%); and East Europe (+1.37%).

Top 10 source markets March 2015

Top 10 source markets January to March 2015