Bangkok (Thailand) – March 30, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Thailand is expected to close the first quarter of 2017 on schedule with tourism revenues of 734 billion baht (US$20.9 billion), a 9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Growth is expected to continue into the second quarter, with revenues rising 11 percent to 630 billion baht (US$18 billion). This includes projected revenues of 16.6 billion baht (US$474 million) from tourism spending during the five-day Songkran festival.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated: “In the first quarter, we recorded healthy growth from all source markets, and we expect this positive trend to continue into the second quarter. This expectation is based on several factors. Thailand will host the WTTC Global Summit 2017 in Bangkok from April 26-27 and the Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017 in Phuket from May 2-4. The TAT will also intensify its marketing activities in China through a series of roadshow events focusing on luxury, health and wellness, as well as new markets, and through celebrity marketing as part of the ‘Experience Thailand with Mario’ campaign.”

In the first quarter of 2017 (January to March), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 9.2 million international visitors and revenues of 490 billion baht (US$14 billion). This represents an increase of 2% and 7%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Domestic tourism is projected to generate 32.5 million trips and 240 billion baht (US$6.8 billion), representing growth of 8% and 12%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

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