Thailand has welcomed a total of 26,735,583 visitor arrivals in 2013, exceeding the year’s original target of 26.1 million and representing a 19.6 per cent increase over 22,353,903 international tourists in 2012. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “This achievement brings much joy to Thailand and the country’s travel and tourism industry as a whole. These statistics are invaluable as evidence that despite the challenging factors including the ongoing political demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand remains a popular and welcoming tourist destination.”
He attributed this growth to the concerted efforts by the entire Thai travel and tourism industry. “We are working together on creating a memorable travel experience to tourists. During tough times, such as, the current ongoing anti-government demonstrations, we are also working hand in hand in ensuring utmost convenience to tourists, our friends of Thailand,” he stated.
According to data tabulated by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in 2013, six Asia-Pacific countries and one European country contributed more than one million visitor arrivals each. China topped the chart at 4.7 million arrivals (a 68.83 per cent jump), followed by Malaysia at 2.99 million tourists (up 17.29 per cent), Russia at 1.73 million arrivals (a 31.93 per cent growth), Japan at 1.53 million tourists (an 11.96 per cent increase), South Korea at 1.29 million arrivals (up 11.48 per cent), Lao PDR at 1.1 million (up 13.33 per cent) and India at 1.04 million visitors (a 3.61 per cent increase).
“Despite the depreciating rupee, we are happy to see that arrivals from India increased during 2013. Going forward, we are expecting India to continue to be a strong contributor to inbound numbers. 2014 will see TAT’s Mumbai Office promoting new experiences such as Muay Thai, voluntourism, focused culinary tours, biking tours and other adventure activities. We are also opening new destinations such as Koh Chang, Khao Yai, Khao Lak and Chiang Rai. Additionally, the golf segment is expected to become a bigger contributor. Besides this we are increasing our focus on luxury-seekers – well-heeled travelers who look for high-quality, exclusive, locally-steeped experiences,” said Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, TAT Mumbai Office.
In 2014, TAT expects to welcome 28.01 million international tourist arrivals through various tourism promotional activities under the Amazing Thailand: It Begins with the People campaign. TAT is also going all out to drive golf-focussed travel from India to Thailand. The golfing community certainly has its sights set on Thailand. In June next year, Hua Hin will host the Centara World Masters Golf Championship, a week-long tournament for club golfers aged 35 and over. Up to 600 golfers from all over the world are expected to participate.
“It isn’t just the celebrities of the golf world, such as Gaganjeet Bhullar, who enjoy playing in Thailand. India is becoming a very significant golf market for Thailand. India, together with from Malaysia, Japan, Korea and Singapore contributed to nearly 57,000 of the 86-million-baht-worth incoming golf market during 2012. Industry sources expect 15 percent (global) growth by the end of 2013 to more than 850,000 golf visitors, worth US$3.68 billion,” said Buddhani.
