Thailand’s tourism continues to soar

21 May 2013 2057 | World Travel News

BANGKOK, 21 May 2013: International tourist arrivals to Thailand posted a growth of 19.04% during January to April this year, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ data.

Released late last week, the ministry’s research registered 8,841,730 trips to the country during the first four months up from 7,427,772 visits during the same period last year.

In April alone, there were 2,013,012 trips, up 19.38% compared to 1,686,268 visits during the same month in 2013. The Songkran festival in mid-April was identified as the key driver that drew tourists in a month when temperatures soar to almost unbearable levels in the Thai capital.

Considering markets by regions East Asia, Europe and the Americas reported gains.

East Asia continues to be the top supplier, (ASEAN included), with a growth of 29.39% from 931,286 to 1,204,996 visits. All identified source markets in the region posted growth except for Cambodia (-23.86%), Laos (-14.58%), and Philippines (-0.11%).

China delivered a substantial growth of 91.05% supplying 410,173 visits from 214,689. This corresponded with data from the Association of Thai Travel Agents that indicated the China market grew 87.57% (165,063 trips) for member companies.

Trips from Myanmar grew 42.58%, Taiwan +37.73% followed by Indonesia (+31.31%), Vietnam (+23.13%), Malaysia (+20.86%), Brunei (+20.83%), Japan (+9.65%), South Korea (+9.36%), Hong Kong (+5.44%), and Singapore (+4.13%).

Europe posted a growth of 19.44%, although some markets posted declines: Ireland (-2.69%); Spain (-5.24%); Switzerland (-8.26%); and the United Kingdom (-5.42%).

The top five key markets that grew were: Finland (+72.87%); Sweden (+70.85%); Russia (+47.98%); East Europe (+33.16%); and Denmark (+24.55%).

The Americas recorded a slight growth of 0.19% to 91,268 from 91,097 visits. The main markets, USA and Brazil posted an increasing of 4.11% and 1.49% respectively.

However, arrivals from Oceania, South Asia, Africa and Middle East reported a decline of 19.61%, 5.98%, 5.88% and 5.45% correspondingly.

In addition, the tourism ministry reported international tourists to Thailand at the country gateway Suvarnabhumi Airport reached 1,354,673 visits in April increasing 21.81% from 1,112,081 visits during the same month last year.