STRONG arrivals growth from Asia-Pacific nations buoyed up arrival figures to a solid 26.7 million in 2013, announced Thailand in the face of ongoing anti-government protests in Bangkok.
According to a media release issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) yesterday, 2013’s figures represent a 19.6 per cent increase over 2012’s 22.3 million arrivals and exceed the NTO’s original 26.1 million target for the year.
Six Asia-Pacific countries in particular contributed more than one million visitor arrivals each, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, namely China with 4.7 million arrivals (68.8 per cent increase), Malaysia with three million (17.3 per cent), Russia with 1.7 million (31.9 per cent), Japan with 1.5 million (12 per cent), South Korea with 1.3 million (11.5 per cent) and India with one million (3.6 per cent).
East Asia takes the lion’s share of tourists at 16.1 million arrivals, a 28.5 per cent year-on-year rise, or 60.2 per cent market share of total visitors. Europe trails in second place with 6.3 million or an 11.6 per cent increase over 2012.
TAT governor, Thawatchai Arunyik, 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.”
“During tough times, such as the current ongoing anti-government destinations, we are also working hand-in-hand in ensuring utmost convenience to tourists, our friends of Thailand.”
The anti-government protests “shut down” the nation’s capital on Monday but has remained peaceful so far (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 14, 2014).
TAT is aiming for 28 million international arrivals this year through promotions under the Amazing Thailand: It Begins with the People campaign.
