Association of Thai Travel Agents estimates tourists handled by member companies at Suvarnabhumi Airport could reach 3.5 million trips this year on the back of growing confidence in Thailand’s stability.
ATTA secretary, Charoen Wangananont, said this year had a good beginning and the forecasts were positive after five years of problems.
“The Pheu Thai government should create confidence for international tourists to visit Thailand. However, the government needs to clarify its tourism plan to strengthen quality and work very closely with the private sector,” Mr Charoen said.
ATTA also believes Thailand still has an advantage over competitors in the region due to a wide variety of natural assets, art and culture attractions, while the exchange rate fluctuations are smaller compared with other Asian currencies.
This year, ATTA estimates trips booked through member agents could reach 3.5 million representing a 72.51% improvement on 2,028,894 trips last year.
The association reported that during January to July this year there were 1,769,466 international tourists using ATTA member services an improvement of 54.46% over 1,145,555 visits during the same period last year.
The top 10 suppliers for the first seven months were: China (376,458; +131.65%); Russia (269,817; +96.55%); India (150,053; +4.80%); Korea (132,670; +58.78%); Taiwan (100,888; +78.82%); Japan (99,572; +11.39%); Vietnam (75,722; +167.35%); Hong Kong (56,471; +40.20); Indonesia (42,854; +111.69%); and Germany (42,766; -7.96%).
For just July, there were 264,306 visits representing an increase of 96% over 134,850 visits during the same month last year.
July’s 10 top markets: China (63,190; +170.85%); India (23,700; +51.90%); Vietnam (23,125; +231.78%); Korea (20,709; +152.39%); Russia (18,767; +200.25%); Taiwan (16,905; +144.82%); Japan (12,982; +156.36%); Hong Kong (12,288; +8.55%); Indonesia (6,398; +147.22%); and the UK (5,934; +37.97%).
ATTA’s data is based on fees member agencies pay to the airport to provide a meet-and-greet service for international clients. It does not include visitors to Phuket.
Source: TTRWeekly
