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17 Jan, 2015

Asian source-markets lead as Thailand visitor arrivals end 2014 on a high note

Bangkok – 16 January 2015 (TAT media release) – Strong recovery in visitor arrivals from China, India and the ASEAN countries played a major role in helping Thailand report an 11.76% upturn in total arrivals in December 2014. The figures indicated that a strong and sustained recovery in arrivals is well under way.

TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “It was a very challenging year indeed, but we are glad to report that it brought out the best in us. Thailand ended the year 2014 with total arrivals of 24.77 million, the last quarter upturn is a clear indication that the tourism situation is improving.

Thanks to the efforts of the entire tourism industry, both the public and private sectors as well as our friends and travel trade partners abroad, and especially rank-and-file workers and employees, the recovery began in the fourth quarter, with an uptick in October, an upturn in November and a clear upswing in December.”

GraphHere are some of the source-markets that were the best performers in December 2014 (with percentage change over 2013):

  • China: 495,034 (+86.50)
  • Malaysia: 410,795 (+30.12)
  • Singapore: 135,712 (+9.67)
  • Cambodia: 54,955 (+40.28)
  • India: 93,184 (+1.67)
  • United Kingdom: 105,574 (+5.02)
  • Germany: 90,097 (+5.82)
  • France: 65,290 (+2.26)
  • Hong Kong: 60,438 (+91.80)
  • Taiwan: 43,373 (+33.70)

The ASEAN countries as a whole reported visitor arrivals of 789,491, up 12.23 over December 2013.

Mr. Thawatchai said, “We are now analysing the figures in detail to see how we can adjust our response to restore growth from other markets; such as, Australia, Japan, Korea and the Scandinavian countries. Our new ‘2015 Discover Thainess’ campaign is already gaining positive reviews around the world. We are also planning a strong presence at upcoming events; such as, the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2015 and the ITB Berlin.”

He thanked all those who worked hard to promote a recovery in their own respective ways. “The Thai tourism industry has proven its mettle over the years. If the local and global political and economic situation remains stable, we are confident we will be able to meet our target of 28 million visitors generating an estimated 1.35 trillion Baht (41 billion USD),” Mr. Thawatchai said.