BANGKOK, OCT 30 – Thailand’s aviation potential is encouraging with the number of passengers expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 3.88 percent from 2024 to 2043, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA’s Regional Vice President for North Asia and Asia Pacific (acting), Dr Xie Xingquan said with world-class tourism attractions and a growing regional business environment, Thailand is well positioned to become a top 15 global aviation market within the next two decades.
“Demand has already reached 88 percent of the 2019 level, and we can expect real growth to start in 2025,” he said in a statement today, while urging Thailand to strengthen the foundation of its aviation sector as the country recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With 84 percent of tourists to Thailand arriving by air before the pandemic, the importance of aviation to this important economic sector – which comprised 7.4 percent of GDP before COVID – is clear. Supporting the tourism sector should be a priority,” he said.
IATA is of the view that a low tax burden is essential to maintain Thailand’s leading position in the tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sectors in Asia and to strengthen Bangkok as a regional hub.
“Instead of reviewing the idea of a tourism tax that could affect passenger demand, the government should explore ways to expand the sector by reducing costs,” said Xie. – Named
