Thailand travel strong in January

Thailand’s January tourist arrivals grew by a slim 4.91% in January with China predictably leading the source markets according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports data released at the weekend.

The country welcomed 3,718,504 visitors in January with Mainland China representing 1,069,787 visits up arrivals registered in January, representing a 10.29% increase year-on-year.

Estimated revenue from the China market stood at THB55.9 billion up by 4.69%. Estimates are based mainly on periodic exit surveys at gateway airports but are not recognised for their accuracy.

As usual, Asian markets continue to dominate with the exception of Russia that gained a spot in the top five supply list.

Malaysia took second place with 272,360 visits in January, up 2.50%, followed by Russia 229,518 visits, up 3.03%, Korea 208156, up 5.33% and India 163,724, up by a more dramatic 24.94%.

Key European countries demonstrated declines in arrivals, including Germany (-3.5%), France (-2.5%), Finland and Sweden (-10.68%).

However, arrivals from the UK increased by 3.4% and Norway by 3%.

India came to the rescue for Phuket Island making up for a drop in Chinese arrivals during the last quarter of 2018.  Travel from Russia also spiked, but the market is seasonal with a big booking volume during the winter months and then trailing off by late spring.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is forecasting 41.1million foreign tourists (+7.5%) during 2019, generating an estimated B2.21 trillion in tourism revenue (+10%). The target is within reach, but it depends on China delivering 11.69 million tourists (+11%) and an equally strong visitor count from ASEAN nations.  Europe should supply 6.90 million based on present trends.