19 mln foreign tourists visit Thailand in 2011

Thailand recorded 19 million holidaymaker arrivals in 2011, an increase of 19.84 percent year-on-year, said Department of Tourism Director-General Supol Sripan on Wednesday.

Increased tourism around the world contributed to the recovery of the global economy and the popularity of tourist attractions in Thailand continued to make an impact on arrivals in the country.

Mature markets in eastern Asia and Europe rose 26.56 percent and 11.40 percent respectively.

In May 2011, tourist numbers grew by as much as 70.26 percent but in November, tourist numbers dropped by 17.92 percent before improving in December.

The country realized income of 734.59 billion baht (23.14 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 23.92 percent, compared to last year.

Tourism is likely to grow constantly in 2012 if the domestic political situation is in order. The number of tourists is expected around 20.5 to 20.8 million.

Source - xinhuanet