Berlin (Germany) – March 11, 2016 (travelindex.com) – Europe remains the key market for Thailand's quality standards in tourism. The importance of Europe is demonstrated by the fact that 65% of European visitors return to Thailand – an outstanding figure that underscores Thailand's enviable status as a top travel destination.

Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said: "Thailand's focus is now on strengthening Thailand's image as a 'quality travel destination with Thai culture'. At the same time, we must ensure a balance between the growth of tourism and its social and environmental impacts."

The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn, said: “In the MasterCard Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2015, Bangkok was recently ranked as the leading destination in the Asia Pacific region for international overnight stays and visitor spending. Phuket and Pattaya also ranked among the top 10 in the same index.”

In a review of the country's tourism performance in 2015, Thailand generated €35.2 billion in tourism-related revenue from all international markets, a growth of 23% compared to 2014. Visitor numbers reached 29.8 million, an increase of 20% compared to 2014.

Since the founding of ITB 50 years ago, arrivals from Europe have traditionally played a vital role in the development of Thai tourism. In 2015, European visitor arrivals totaled 5.6 million, generating revenue of €10.3 billion.

In 2014, the European market recorded the longest average length of stay of all regions, at 16.4 days per person, with average daily spending of around €106. Thailand is aiming for a 4.38% increase in tourism revenue from the European market this year.

Europe is high on Thailand's agenda to boost upscale niche tourism in the country. This includes luxury travel packages and niche markets such as weddings and honeymoons, wellness and spas, community-based attractions, and sports tourism.

HE Kobkarn highlighted the synergy between tourism and sport: “There are clear links between the two sectors. More and more travelers want to participate in sports in Thailand, so we are now ready to combine tourism and sport. Sports such as Muay Thai, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, marathon running, golf, tennis and sailing are widespread in the country and are offered by highly qualified coaches and support facilities.”

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) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected]