Thai tourism officials are banking on a million foreign arrivals over the Chinese New Year holiday next month. This year, the holiday falls between February 8 and 16 and the Tourism Authority of Thailand is predicting an estimated 28 billion baht in revenue (how? We have no idea).
According to a Thai PBS World report, the TAT governor says foreign visitor numbers are expected to increase by 29%, particularly from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Thapanee Kiatphaibool adds that arrivals from China in particular, are expected to triple, and she expects to see a 137% increase in arrivals from Taiwan and Hong Kong.
In addition, she says around 2 million Thai people with Chinese heritage are expected to travel over the holiday period, up 10% compared to last year. Officials are forecasting up to 6 billion baht in domestic tourism revenue during Chinese New Year.
In Phuket, the president of the island’s Tourism Industry Council says most four and five-star beachfront hotels are 90% booked. Thanet Tantipiriyakij says that while most arrivals are from Eastern Europe, he expects to see a 5% increase in Chinese arrivals over the holiday period.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
