The countdown is on for the arrival of Thailand’s 10 millionth foreign visitor this year, according to Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This magic number has been much-discussed and predicted by tourism officials in the kingdom, who expect to finally reach it this Saturday.
“As of December 5, Thailand had recorded 9.78 million foreign visitors this year. We believe the tally will hit 10 million on December 10.”
According to a Nation Thailand report, celebrations are being planned at 7 international airports and 2 land border checkpoints. Yuthasak says the festivities are part of the “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” campaign, which recognises the achievement of 2022’s target for foreign tourists.
In 2019, 39.4 foreign arrivals were recorded coming into Thailand.
It’s understood that on Saturday, celebrations will take place at Phuket, Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U-Tapao, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Samui airports, as well as at the border checkpoints in Nong Khai, in north-eastern Thailand and at Sadao, in the southern province of Songkhla. Yuthasak says a lucky prize draw will also be held at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the same day.
“TAT has invited partners to join in the campaign to celebrate this achievement and to show Thailand’s readiness to welcome foreign tourists in every part of the country.”
The 10 million target was set as part of the “Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign. The campaign’s objective was to revive tourism in the kingdom following the Covid-19 pandemic and to once again see Thailand become a top destination among short-haul and long-haul travellers.
This year, officials say tourism revenue should reach 1.3 trillion baht, not quite the 1.5 trillion-baht target that was agreed at the beginning of the year. For 2023, the TAT has set a target of 2.38 trillion baht.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
