BANGKOK, NOV 20 – Thailand recorded more than 30.56 million foreign tourists until mid-November, up 29 percent compared to last year, thus on track to reach the annual target of 36.7 million tourists, according to official data yesterday.
So far this year, tourists from China recorded the highest number with 5.97 million arrivals, followed by Malaysia (4.36 million) and India (1.82 million), according to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The ministry expects continued growth in tourist numbers ahead of the peak travel season, particularly from the long-haul market, driven by increased flight capacity, travel facilities introduced by the government and promotions encouraging airlines to add routes to Thailand.
To date, Thailand has generated approximately 1.43 trillion baht (US$41.40 billion) in revenue from international tourists. The government is targeting tourism revenue of 3.5 trillion baht (US$101.33 billion) this year.
In 2019 before the pandemic, Thailand received a record 39.9 million foreign tourists, generating 1.91 trillion baht (US$55.26 billion) in revenue.
Tourism continues to be the main driver of the country’s economic growth, contributing 14.16 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of this year. – Xinhua
