‘TAT’ points to the close of 2022, pumping tourism income to reach 1.5 million baht, withdrawing 50% from 2019
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that now it can be said that picture of the recovery of the Thai tourism sector is V-safe especially in terms of numbers Thailand is one of the countries with the fastest recovery in tourism in the world. This can be reflected from December 10, the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand reached 10 million, according to the target set by the government. It is expected that in 2022 there will be 11.5 million foreigners traveling to Thailand, pushing the total revenue to the goal of 1.5 trillion baht from the expected 1.2 trillion baht only.
“The reason why the number of foreigners traveling to Thailand Has not returned less than 50%, but income has returned to 50% of the year 2019 because tourists who come in spend more and more. especially in the first trimester That spent an average of 7.7 thousand baht per person before the second quarter will decrease to an average of 5.5 thousand baht per person. But it is considered an increase from 4.8 thousand baht per person. During the outbreak of COVID 2 years ago, “said Yuthasak.
Mr. Yuthasak said this year the goal is to bring revenue back in the proportion of 50% compared to the period before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019 that generated more than 3 trillion baht in revenue, number of foreign tourists, 40 million Thai people. Traveling to Thailand 172 million people – times, which COVID has made in 2020, there are 6.7 million tourists left, generating income of 800 billion baht, while in 2021 there are only 4 hundred thousand tourists, generating income of only 300 billion baht. But now tourism has recovered. Both foreigners travel to Thailand and Thais travel to Thailand. As of the end of November 2022, there have been 175 million Thai travelers traveling to Thailand – more than the number of 2019 as well.
Mr. Yuthasak said that in 2023, the revenue target was set at 80% of the year 2019 with an income of about 3 trillion baht, causing the whole year 2023 to return revenue to 2.38 trillion baht, but the dimension of the number of foreign tourists. I don’t want to come back as before. so as not to have problems in terms of oversupply various environmental problems Ask for quality foreign tourists to return 50% or only 20 million people, such as the government opening relations with Saudi Arabia. makes now there are Saudis came to visit Thailand as the 22nd overall, which is considered to have traveled to Thailand the most among the Middle Eastern countries.
Mr. Yuthasak said that the Chinese market began to have more hope. Especially after the past China has begun to move towards allowing more people to leave the country. Starting from a group of people with business needs. students and students Including group tourists organizing various events and seminars (MICE), for example, in the past 2-3 months, Huawei has held a meeting in Thailand. Tens of thousands of participants But also confirmed that TAT is waiting for China, but we are not just waiting for China. because if there is any country that can encourage them to enter first, such as India, neighboring countries will attract more of those groups
“At this time, the TAT Office In China, the number of 5 places has been marketed and opened for sale in Thailand in advance. So that if China unlocks permission for citizens to leave the country Must have seen the trip to Thailand immediately. which has a survey of Chinese opinions that If able to travel anywhere, it was found that Thailand was always the first destination in my heart for 3 reasons: 1. I like Thai food, 2. I like Thai seas, and 3. The sentence that Thai and Chinese brothers and sisters Causing a deep expectation that the Chinese New Year 2023 should see more positive signs, ”said Yuthasak.
Mr. Yuthasak said that the country is a new hope. especially india At present, there are 8.7 hundred thousand people who have visited Thailand, supported by the reduction of various restrictions, such as the unlocking of aviation agreements. Makes seeing the arrival of more Indians and adjust the format From the past that often came in as a tour group or come in for weddings and celebrations in Thailand But now starting to see more family trips. It is expected that in 2023 there will be 2 times more Indians visiting Thailand or a million or more people.
Mr. Yuthasak said that the main support is The Cabinet has approved the extension of the tourist visa from 30 days to 45 days and the visa on arrival (VOA) from 15 days to 30 days, effective until the 31st. March 2023, which has a longer stay period It means spending more. Good for the recovery of the domestic economy. Which is now expected that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports should ask the cabinet Consider extending the measure to extend the period of stay until the end of 2023 to be in line with the Thai tourism year policy. Announced in 2022 covers 2023.