Thailand has officially announced that it has welcomed a staggering one million Chinese tourists between January and May 18, marking a significant milestone in the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in visitors follows China’s reopening of its borders and serves as a promising sign for Thailand’s struggling tourism industry.
Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri revealed that the government is optimistic about reaching its target of hosting five million Chinese tourists this year, which would result in a substantial economic boost. The projected spending by Chinese visitors is estimated to reach an impressive 446 billion baht (equivalent to US$13.18 billion).
Comparing the current figures to the previous year sheds light on the immense impact of the pandemic on Thailand’s tourism sector. In 2020, a mere 274,000 Chinese tourists were recorded, a sharp decline from the pre-pandemic numbers of 11 million visitors in 2019. The recent surge in Chinese tourist arrivals now accounts for approximately 28% of the total visitors to the kingdom.
The government’s efforts to revive the tourism industry are showing promising signs of success. Overall foreign tourist arrivals from January to mid-May stood at 9.47 million, surpassing the total number of visitors recorded throughout the entire year of 2022, which amounted to 11.15 million. This indicates a strong recovery trajectory, bringing much-needed relief to Thailand’s economy.
The remarkable growth in the first quarter of this year has contributed to the Thai economy’s better-than-expected performance. As the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s upward trajectory is attributed to the resumption of tourism activities, a vital sector that not only drives economic growth but also generates employment opportunities. The revival of this industry is crucial in mitigating the severe impact it faced during the pandemic.
With the influx of Chinese tourists and the overall positive trend in foreign visitor arrivals, Thailand remains hopeful for a brighter future for its tourism sector. The government’s commitment to implementing robust safety measures and promoting the country as a safe destination is playing a pivotal role in rebuilding confidence among travelers. As the recovery progresses, Thailand aims to capitalize on the momentum and regain its position as a top global travel destination.
