https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/chinese-tourists-lead-4-8m-visitors-to-thailand-boosting-revenue?utm_source=Thaiger+Daily+EN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2025-02-14
Chinese tourists lead 4.8m visitors to Thailand, boosting
revenue
Puntid Tantivangphaisal
February 13, 2025
Over 4 million tourists have visited Thailand
since the start of the year, with Chinese visitors leading the numbers.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced
yesterday that from January 1 to February 9, Thailand hosted 4.8 million
international tourists, contributing more than 234.9 billion baht in revenue.
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Chinese tourists ranked highest with 825,617 arrivals,
followed by Malaysia with 617,631, Russia with 330,628, South Korea with 263,572, and India with
232,828 visitors.
From February 3 to 9, there was a 4.15% rise in arrivals
from long-haul markets due to an increase in Russian and French tourists. This growth of 41.53% was
facilitated by enhanced market promotions, additional flights, and school
holidays.
In contrast, short-haul markets experienced a slowdown
following the Chinese New Year celebrations. South Korean arrivals decreased
due to domestic challenges such as aviation incidents, political issues, and
currency fluctuations.
Consequently, the total number of foreign arrivals in the
first week of February was 837,407, reflecting an 11.57% drop, or 109,551 fewer
visitors compared to the previous week. The average daily arrivals were
119,630.
Foreign arrivals are expected to maintain stability from
Monday to Sunday, bolstered by government promotional campaigns, including
the Amazing
Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 initiative and
various tourism and sports events. The government is also implementing safety
measures to reassure Chinese tourists, reported Bangkok Post.
Thailand is experiencing a surge in foreign tourist arrivals despite
concerns over safety following the high-profile trafficking case of Chinese
actor Wang Xing. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 3.97 million
visitors arrived by February 2, a 21% rise from the same period last year.
Chinese tourists led with 710,687 arrivals, despite some
tour group cancellations over security fears. January alone saw 3.7 million
arrivals, driven by Chinese New Year celebrations.
In response to safety concerns, Thailand has strengthened
security measures. China remains the top tourist source, with 6.7 million of
the projected 35.5 million visitors in 2024.
