TAT: Foreign tourist arrivals this year pass 15 million

[Admin]

TAT: Foreign tourist arrivals this year pass 15 million
TNA 2010-12-18

BANGKOK: -- Tourist arrivals in Thailand hit 15.7-15.8 million this year despite internal political and flood disaster situations, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Surapol Svetasreni.

The governor said there were 14.03 million tourists from January through November, and that about 1.68 million travellers are expected to enter Thailand this month, that would allow Thailand to end 2010 with roughly 15.7-15.8 million international visitor arrivals, with tourism revenue projected at Bt580 – 600 billion (US$19.29 billion– 9.95 billion).

The main reasons why Thailand is still on travellers' destination lists is their impression of Thai hospitality and services along with the country's landscapes and natural resources in different regions.

There were not many tourists in the first and second quarters, according to Mr Surapol, owing to internal political problems which lasted about 70 days. However, Thailand's tourism business returned to life in the third and fourth quarters.

Chinese travellers have maintained their position as the highest tourist figure entering the country. As a result, the TAT governor said his organisation will stimulate more mid-scale and high-end Chinese tourists to visit Thailand, followed by Scandinavian tourists to stay in Thailand longer due to their high purchasing power.

The figure of Thai tourists this year stands at about 91 million with Bt432 billion in circulation.

Around 15.5 million tourists are expected next year in the country with about Bt600 billion to be circulated. (MCOT online news)

[isanbirder]

Does this include people on visa runs?

[nookiebear]

It must do,as every time I've been to Swampy this year (14) ,the last time only 2 weeks ago the place is like a ghost town,,,Plenty of room in the short stay car park is a clear indicator as to how quiet it is.