Bangkok (Thailand) – June 15, 2016 (travelindex) – The Thai tourism industry expects 16.67 million international visitors between January and June 2016, a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2015. Projected revenues are estimated at 824 billion baht, a 17% increase.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, announced this at a press conference on the tourism situation in Thailand in the second and third quarters of 2016. The event took place at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel.

Also present at the press conference were Mr. Ittirit Kinglake, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, Mr. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Association of Thai Travel Agencies, and Mrs. Supawan Tanomkiatipume, President of the Association of Thai Hotels.

Mr. Yuthasak stated: “For the first half of 2016, Thailand anticipates tourism revenues of 1.24 trillion baht, encompassing both international and domestic tourism. The number of international visitors is expected to reach 16.67 million, a 13% increase compared to the first half of 2015, generating estimated tourism revenues of 824 billion baht (+17%). Domestic tourism is projected to exceed 75 million trips, a 4% increase compared to the first half of 2015, generating estimated tourism revenues of 416 billion baht (+6%).”

Both the first and second quarters of 2016 saw significant growth. In the first quarter, international visitor numbers increased by 15% and tourism revenue by 19%. Growth of 9% in international visitors and 14% in tourism revenue is projected for the second quarter.

All major source markets affected by the 2015 Ratchaprasong junction bombing recovered quickly, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. Long-haul markets, particularly from Europe, also saw a strong recovery.

Domestic travel is also expected to improve steadily due to signs of a recovery in the Thai economy.

In the first quarter of 2016 (January to March), 37.4 million domestic trips were recorded, an increase of 3.6%, with estimated revenues of 212 billion baht (+6%). For the second quarter (April to June), due to the Songkran festival in April and other long weekends, an increase of 4.4% to 37.7 million trips and estimated revenues of 200 billion baht (+6%) is expected.

The most popular regions for domestic travel in the first two quarters were Bangkok (18.3 million trips), the Central Region (16 million trips) and the Northeast Region (13.4 million trips).

Mr. Yuthasak said: "The TAT forecasts that Thailand will generate 635 billion baht (+14%) in revenue from international and domestic tourism in the third quarter of 2016."

This forecast is based on the assumption of 8.3 million international visitors (+14%), generating estimated revenues of 423 billion baht (+18%). The five largest markets in terms of tourism revenue are expected to be China (146 billion baht, +32%), Malaysia (22.5 billion baht, +15%), Australia (17.8 billion baht, +4%), Japan (17.6 billion baht, +7%), and the United Kingdom (15.1 billion baht, +6%). Several factors underscore this positive trend. In particular, bookings for long-haul flights to Thailand are a positive sign. The launch of several new flight connections from Chinese cities such as Chengdu and Chongqing to Koh Samui is also viewed favorably. Furthermore, the "Amazing Thailand Grand Sale" in June and the upcoming "Women's Journey" project in August are expected to boost travel activity during the off-season and demand from female travelers, respectively.

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org