TAT estimates 18.2 million foreign arrivals in second half of 2024
Bulk of visitors expected to come from seven regions with East Asia, South Asia and Europe topping the list
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that 18,245,700 foreign tourists will enter Thailand from July to December this year, about 20% more than the same period in 2023.
They are estimated to generate around 964.18 billion baht of revenue, an increase of 28% year on year, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Monday.
She said most of these arrivals will come from East Asia, followed by those from Europe, South Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania and Africa, respectively.
TAT estimated the top 10 markets contributing to foreign arrivals in the second half as follows: China, 3.6 million visitors, Malaysia (2.5 million), South Korea (1 million), India (990,000), Russia (740,000), Laos (670,000), Singapore (600,000), Vietnam (560,000), Taiwan (530,000), and Indonesia (490,000).
The TAT set a target of welcoming 35.89 million foreign arrivals in 2024, earning 1.8 trillion baht in tourism revenue or 31% more than in 2023.
In the first six months of 2024, more than 17 million foreign arrivals visited the kingdom, said Thapanee, crediting the government’s easing of travel restrictions, including the permanent visa exemption deal with China and temporary visa waiver policy with several countries.
Thailand has also allowed foreigners to enter the kingdom via land and sea channels without filing the Tor Mor 6 immigration forms until October 15, which attracts tourists who prefer to travel via trains, cars, big bikes, and cruise ships.
Factors that could slow down the growth in the tourism industry include geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and the US and China. Furthermore, the hosting of international sporting events in Europe, including the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany and Paris Olympics and Paralympics could direct the attention of potential tourists away from Thailand.
