Council predicts a rosy future

BANGKOK, 21 December 2012: Tourism Council of Thailand says Thailand should welcome 21.7 million international travellers this year mainly due to the stable political situation. Last year, there were 19.23 million visits.

TCT president, Piyaman Tejapaibul, said Thailand will attract 5.7 million foreign tourists during the fourth quarter an increase of 31% over the same quarter last year, due to the absence of political problems and natural disasters.

“Most travellers are Asians, particularly Chinese tourists who have a higher spending capability than in past years.”

The council president said it was possible that tourist arrivals would reach 23.1 million in 2013, an increase of 6.5%.

“The government needs to develop new tourist attractions, nationwide, and  security standards must be high.”

Thailand Hotels Association president, Surapong Techaruvichit, said the Ministry of Interior is drafting regulations to upgrade hotel standards and crack down on illegal operators.

“The aim is to eliminate illegal hotel operators and create fair competition in the market.”

Once the new rule take effect, the ministry will allow three months for illegal hotel operators to comply with conditions and improve standards.

Sourced: ttrweekly