1-1-2024 (BANGKOK) The New Year countdown period witnessed a remarkable 44% surge in tourism-related revenue, reaching 54.4 billion baht, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The substantial increase is attributed to a visa-free initiative and extended operating hours for entertainment venues, as revealed by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboon.
From December 22 to January 1, Thailand experienced a significant boost in revenue compared to the same period last year. Thapanee estimated that 1.1 million visitors contributed to 41.7 billion baht in revenue, reflecting a 60% year-on-year increase.
The surge is credited to the government’s visa-free programme for visitors from China, India, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Taiwan. Additionally, entertainment establishments in tourist provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phuket, and Surat Thani (Koh Samui), were granted permission to operate until 4 am.
Simultaneously, domestic tourism flourished during the holiday season. Thais embarked on 3.76 million domestic trips from December 29 to January 1, spending approximately 12.7 billion baht. This represents an 11% increase from the previous year, as reported by the TAT governor.
Ms Thapanee highlighted that the TAT, along with its partners, orchestrated New Year celebration events across several locations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Roi Et, Songkhla, and Suphan Buri.
Collectively, these provinces welcomed 1.11 million domestic visitors, marking an 11% increase, and the revenue generated from the events totalled 4.7 billion baht, reflecting a 14% rise.
The average hotel occupancy rate reached 82%, with Bangkok emerging as the most popular destination, followed by Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai, according to Ms Thapanee. The positive figures suggest a thriving tourism sector and bode well for Thailand’s economic outlook in the coming year.
