Thai tourism on upswing

BANGKOK Kasikorn Research Centre estimates international tourist arrivals will reach 6.20 million during April to June this year an increase of 21.6% over the same period last year.
The bank’s think-tank unit said tourism was one of the few engines functioning well enough to drive the Thai economy during the first quarter of this year.
Inbound tourism has been on an upswing since the last quarter of 2014 and this trend has continued into Q1 this year. Foreign tourist arrivals have surged 23.5% to reach 7.88 million, in contrast to a 9.0% drop during the first quarter of last year.
“The low season for Thai tourism starts in the second quarter and lasts until the third; then more visitors arrive during the fourth quarter when the high season begins,” the bank stated.
inside no 3Songkhran was a massive driver that caused a big increase in tourism to the country and the positive benefits continue the bank noted.
To keep the momentum going, other activities are being staged, including the annual ‘Thailand Great Grand Sale’ that offers substantial shopping discounts at shopping malls across the country.
The Q2 tourism outlook is looking bright, thanks to short-haul tourists from Asian states, particularly China, India and ASEAN, who visit Thailand regardless of the season.
Considering the positive tourism climate and other favourable factors, the centre projects tourist arrivals will reach 6.20 million during Q2, growing 21.6%, as opposed to the 15.9% year-on-year contraction during the same quarter last year.
Kasikorn Research Centre is a subsidiary company of Kasikorn Bank, which conducts tourism and business research mainly on Thailand’s economy including tourism with reliable recommendations and indicators on business prospects.

sourced:ttrweekly.com