Last year, the number of Indian travellers to the South-East Asian country totalled 1.62 million
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be showcasing Thailand’s diverse tourism offerings towards sustainability as part of its 15th participation in South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2024.
In a press statement, TAT says that it has set a target of THB 80 billion (INR 185 billion) in revenue from about 1.74 million Indian travellers to Thailand in the year 2024.
TAT says that India is one of Thailand’s most important visitor markets. Last year, the number of Indian travellers to the South-East Asian country totalled 1.62 million, making it the fourth largest source market.
It says that revenue generated from Indian travellers’ spending amounted to over THB 63 billion (INR 145 billion) in 2023. This year, as of February 15, India ranked fifth globally with 242,839 arrivals.
Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol
“I am determined to elevate Thailand to be a quality and safe destination that delivers a valuable experience to our visitors from India through Thailand’s Soft Powers and promotes Thailand to be an all-year-round destination,” says Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
TAT says its marketing activities will aim at current segments, including family, millennials, wedding and celebrations, golfers, luxury, and incentive group. Specific initiatives will be introduced for new segments, such as, senior citizens, women travellers, rejuvenating tours, and adventure sports. The Gen Z and LGBTQIA+ are also earmarked as potentials segments.
The statement adds that to inspire Indian travellers to visit Thailand, the Thai government had waived tourist visas for Indian citizens, effective from November 10, 2023 upto May 10, 2024, and is also working to boost connectivity between the two countries.
It says that aside from well-established destinations like Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, TAT is promoting Hua Hin, a family, golf and wellness destination, Kanchanaburi for its abundant natural and historical attractions, and Khao Yai, which is known for its national park, wineries, and many family and sport activities.
In terms of new tourism offering, TAT has listed EmSphere Shopping Mall, Thai Bus Food Tour and Pruek dining cruise in Bangkok, three UNESCO sites in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Andamanda Phuket waterpark and Carnival Magic theme park in Phuket, the statement adds.
The board says that to facilitate air travellers, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) has increased the annual passenger handling capacity at Suvarnabhumi Airport to 60 million from 45 million. In addition, AOT plans to expand Phuket International Airport, while conducting a feasibility study on a new airport in Phang-nga.
“TAT’s activity in India aligns with our ‘Pass strategy’ to drive Thailand’s tourism towards high-value and sustainability. This encompasses ‘Partnership 360’ efforts, digital transformation, subculture movement, and sustainable practices,” Thapanee says.
TAT says that in 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign visitors, generating THB 1.2 trillion in revenue. The top five visitor markets by the number of arrivals were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India and Russia.
From January 1-February 15, Thailand recorded 4.87 million foreign arrivals, generating over THB 215 billion. The top five markets were China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea and India. For full year 2024, TAT has set an overall revenue target of THB 3 trillion, comprising THB 1.92 trillion from international tourism and THB 1.08 trillion from domestic tourism, concludes TAT.
TAT Mumbai holds Pattaya, Phuket roadshows in Mumbai, Chennai & Hyderabad
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mumbai Office in association with the Phuket Tourist Association and the Pattaya office recently conducted roadshows to promote Phuket and Pattaya in the Indian market, with roadshows on Phuket taking place in Mumbai and Chennai, while a roadshow on Pattaya was organised in Hyderabad.
All the three roadshows saw a healthy turnout of suppliers from the popular Thai destinations Phuket and Pattaya and were attended by dozens of leading travel agents from Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.
“Phuket is a cherished destination among Indian travellers, and I am happy to report that the region has experienced an 81.6 pc recovery from 2019 in terms of inbound Indian travellers. The ‘Endless Phuket
Roadshow 2024’ assisted us in further engaging with travel agents to successfully showcase the unique attractions and experiences in the region, both popular and lesser known. Our positive business engagement with travel agents will aid us in more effectively tapping into the Mumbai and Chennai markets, attracting a greater number of Indians to the island in the coming months,” says Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of Phuket Tourist Association.
“It was great to see such reception from agents in Hyderabad for the Pattaya Variety Roadshow. It served as an invaluable platform for showcasing the cultural and scenic vibrance of Thailand’s east coast. With a comprehensive understanding of Pattaya’s unique offerings, our Indian travel trade partners can effectively raise awareness about this versatile destination among avid travellers in and around Hyderabad. We extend an invitation to Indians to experience this coastal destination, replete with diverse offerings catering to families on vacation, couples on honeymoons or weddings, individuals seeking vibrant nightlife, or businesses planning MICE events. From pristine beaches to vibrant nightlife, water sports, local markets, and diverse cultural experiences, Pattaya promises a multifaceted journey for those seeking a memorable and enriching travel experience,’’ says Urai Mukpradabthong, Director, TAT Pattaya Office.
