The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) took center stage in New Delhi during SATTE 2024 and showcased Thailand‘s diverse tourism offerings, aiming to position the country as a quality and safe destination for Indian travellers.
Addressing the Amazing Thailand press meet in New Delhi on the eve of SATTE 2024, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, talked about Thailand’s commitment to delivering valuable experiences to Indian visitors through soft powers, promoting the country as an all-year-round destination.
India remains a crucial market for Thailand, with 1.62 million travellers recorded in 2023, generating over 63 billion Baht in revenue. This year, TAT targets 80 billion Baht in revenue from approximately 1.74 million Indian travellers.
To inspire Indian travellers, the Thai government waived tourist visas for Indian citizens until May 10, 2024, and is enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
During the press brief, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool outlined key strategies to achieve revenue targets, including subsidy schemes for incentive groups, joint promotions with airlines and travel agents, and participation in travel trade exhibitions in Mumbai and New Delhi.
She said that TAT’s marketing activities will cater to various segments, including families, millennials, wedding and celebration groups, golfers, luxury travellers, and incentive groups. “New initiatives target emerging segments such as senior citizens, women travellers, adventure sports enthusiasts, Gen Z, and LGBTQIA+ travellers.
“Additionally, TAT is working to promote lesser-known Thai destinations like Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, and Khao Yai alongside new offerings like EmSphere shopping mall, Thai Bus Food Tour in Bangkok, three UNESCO sites in Nakhon Ratchasima; and Andamanda Phuket waterpark and Carnival Magic theme park in Phuket,” she mentioned.
In terms of infrastructure, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) has expanded passenger handling capacity at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport. Phuket International Airport is set for expansion, while a new airport in Phang-nga is under consideration. Two new motorway projects aim to enhance interprovincial travel convenience by 2025.
India holds significant importance for Malaysia, serving as its fifth largest source of tourists. In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 17.8 million tourist arrivals, with 587,703 originating from India. The robust air connectivity between the two countries, with 181 weekly flights offering 33,851 seats, further facilitates travel and strengthens bilateral ties between both nations.
Interprovincial travel is set to be more convenient with two new motorway projects – the M6 motorway, connecting to Nakhon Ratchasima, and the M81 motorway, connecting to Kanchanaburi – slated to be ready for public use in 2025.Thapanee also highlighted TAT’s ‘PASS strategy’ to drive high-value and sustainable tourism, focusing on partnership efforts, digital transformation, subculture movement, and sustainable practices.
In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign visitors, generating 1.2 trillion Baht in revenue. The top five visitor markets by the number of arrivals were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia.
Between January 1 and February 15, 2024, Thailand recorded 4.87 million foreign arrivals, generating over 215 billion Baht. The top five markets were China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India. For the entire year, TAT has set an overall revenue target of 3 trillion Baht, comprising 1.92 trillion Baht from international tourism and 1.08 trillion Baht from domestic tourism.
Under this program, tourists can obtain a visa within two to five working days, allowing them to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a maximum stay of 180 days within a year. This flexible visa option caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity.
- Published On Feb 23, 2024 at 11:28 PM IST