In the first six months of 2024, Thailand’s tourism industry experienced remarkable growth, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This surge in visitors is largely credited to the government’s supportive policies.
From January 1 to June 30, Thailand welcomed over 17.5 million international tourists, generating more than 825 billion baht in revenue. This influx of visitors has significantly bolstered the nation’s economy and demonstrated the success of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination.
The government is set to further promote the “IGNITE Thailand’s Tourism” initiative, a comprehensive strategy designed to elevate the country’s tourism potential across multiple dimensions. This initiative includes developing primary city tourism routes connected to attractive secondary cities, with a particular focus on the lower northeastern region.
One of the notable promotional activities is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations through the “Welcome Ceremony of LABUBU” project. This initiative features a promotional video that showcases LABUBU’s travel experiences in Thailand under the “5 Must Do in Thailand” strategy, aimed at attracting more Chinese tourists. From January to June, the top five countries with the highest number of visitors to Thailand were China, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia. The last week of June alone, coinciding with Pride Month 2024 celebrations, saw 660,000 international tourists, marking a 2.98% increase from the previous week.
To maintain this momentum, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to push the “IGNITE Thailand’s Tourism” policy. Efforts are focused on linking major cities with other attractive destinations, particularly in the lower northeastern provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima. This region is being promoted for its comprehensive tourism experiences, including natural, cultural, and historical attractions. TAT aims to establish Nakhon Ratchasima as Thailand’s first and only UNESCO Triple Heritage City, featuring the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and the Khorat Geopark.
Additionally, TAT is partnering with POP MART to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. The “Welcome Ceremony of LABUBU” project aims to promote positive imagery by dressing the LABUBU mascot in traditional Thai attire and producing a promotional video for Chinese tourists.
The Ministry anticipates a further increase in international tourists driven by factors such as the popularity of Lisa’s new music video “ROCKSTAR” and the European summer holiday season.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed confidence in Thailand’s tourism potential and praised the collaborative efforts across various sectors to rejuvenate the industry. He emphasized that ensuring safety and convenience for tourists will ultimately benefit all citizens.
