The festive spirit of the Chinese New Year of the Dragon has brought a wave of tourism to Thailand, with nearly 200,000 Chinese tourists flocking to the country to partake in the celebrations, according to the Minister of Tourism and Sports.
During the week spanning from February 5 to February 11, 2024, a surge in tourist arrivals was observed, particularly from East Asia and Southeast Asia, including China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Thailand recorded a total of 872,235 foreign tourists during this period, marking an increase of 13.28% compared to the previous week. On average, 124,605 foreign tourists visited Thailand each day. The top five nationalities among these tourists were from China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports anticipates continued arrivals of foreign tourists in the upcoming week, gradually returning to normal levels following the conclusion of the Chinese New Year festivities. The facilitation of travel, including the signing of visa waivers between Thailand and China, has played a crucial role in promoting tourism. These measures have enhanced tourist confidence, streamlined travel procedures, encouraged airlines to increase flight frequencies, and facilitated visa exemptions for tourists from India, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan.
Providing an overview of tourism performance for the year thus far, data up to February 11, 2024, indicates that Thailand has welcomed a total of 4,385,390 tourists since January 1, 2024. Foreign tourist spending during this period has amounted to approximately 215,147 million baht. China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India comprise the top five countries contributing to tourist arrivals.
As Thailand continues to attract visitors from around the globe, the tourism sector remains a vital contributor to the country’s economy, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.