Yuthasak Supasorn
DESPITE recent setbacks, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is confident that arrival targets set for this year will be surpassed.
Based on the momentum garnered in the first three quarters of this year, “Thailand will exceed this year’s targets for visitor numbers and looks set to generate over 2.58 trillion baht (US$73.7 billion) from the tourism sector, up 14 per cent over 2015”, stated TAT.
According to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn, Thailand’s tourism industry is expected to generate a total of 1.88 trillion baht for the Thai economy in the first nine months of 2016, representing a year-on-year increase of 14 per cent.
Of the total, some 1.25 trillion baht (up 17 per cent) has been raised by over 24 million international arrivals (up 13 per cent) and another 629 billion baht (up 6 per cent) has come from domestic tourism with 111 million trips having been taken by locals (up 4 per cent).
The recent bombings that took place at various tourist spots throughout Thailand is unlikely to throw a wrench in the works as well, opined TAT as well as members of the trade, due to the resilience of the industry and the support garnered from leading tourism stakeholders.
“This positive outlook is based on the strong confidence that both tourists and the world’s most respected organisations; such as the UNWTO and WTTC, have in Thailand as a safe and enjoyable destination,” said Yuthasak.
“This faith in the country is a result of TAT’s tireless efforts in constantly communicating with visitors and industry players in times of calm and crisis and sending the message that tourist safety and security is always our priority.”
Moving towards the last quarter of 2016, TAT expects Thailand to generate 698 billion baht (up 16 per cent year-on-year), comprising 468 billion baht (up 19 per cent) from over 9 million foreign tourists (up 15 per cent) and 230 billion baht (up 9 per cent) from domestic tourism with 42 million trips expected to be taken by locals (up 7 per cent).
Contributing factors to the growth prospects for the October to December period include the fact that Thailand is entering the high season with forward bookings for air travels to Thailand already showing an 8 per cent increase.
There are also new air links that have been established, including those from Russia (Moscow, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg), the Middle East (Tehran, Dubai and Doha), and Asia (Hong Kong, Mandalay, Luang Prabang and Vientiane).
In addition, from October 1-9, a total of 39 chartered flights with 7,594 seats have confirmed services to Bangkok and Phuket from nine cities in China.
“These figures show that recent events haven’t impacted the confidence people have in Thailand as a safe and welcoming place to visit. As always, the kingdom is seen as the ultimate exotic holiday destination and the travel hub of the region,” affirmed Yuthasak.
“This is why we’ve been chosen to host events such as the UNWTO World Tourism Day on September 27 and the WTTC Global Summit in April 2017. This is proof indeed that when it comes to travel and tourism, Thailand is as influential and as amazing as ever.”
