Thailand records historical high in tourist arrivals in 2013

BANGKOK- While Bangkok is again attracting all the media of the world with the shutdown of the city by anti-government protesters, the Tourism Authority of Thailand had at least the satisfaction to claim the following fact: the Kingdom is more popular than ever with tourists from all over the world. Thailand has indeed recorded a total of 26,735,583 visitor arrivals in 2013, exceeding the year’s original target of 26.1 million. This represents a 19.6 per cent increase over the 22,353,903 international tourists in 2012.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of 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.”

TAT Governor attributed the growth to the concerted efforts by the entire Thai travel and tourism industry. “We are working hand in hand in 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.”

According to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in 2013, six Asia-Pacific countries contributed more than one million visitor arrivals. 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), and India at 1.04 million visitors (a 3.61 increase).

By region, East Asia remains the largest contributor at 16.09 million arrivals (up 28.47 per cent), representing a 60.18 per cent share of the overall visitor markets to Thailand. Europe is the second largest market by region at 6.3 million visitors (an 11.62 per cent increase), followed by South Asia at 1.34 million arrivals (a 4.63 per cent growth) and the Americas at 1.17 million tourists (up 8.05 per cent).

Airports’ statistics also show the popularity of the destination: the number of visitor arrivals at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok reached a total of 16,989, 458 in 2013, representing a 16.65 per cent increase over 2012. In December 2013 alone, the number reached 1.59 million arrivals or 1.99 per cent year-on-year increase.

In 2014, TAT expects to welcome 28.01 million international tourist arrivals through various tourism promotional activities with a new and very accurate slogan: “Amazing Thailand: It begins with People”.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews