Tourist arrivals drop 10.28 percent

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports says foreign tourist arrivals in the first nine months of this year has dropped 10.28 percent year-on-year but voices confidence it will rise in the last quarter.

The minister Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul revealed yesterday that from January to September a total 17.5 million foreign tourists visited the country.

It was a 10.28 percent decline compared to the same period last year.

However she expressed confidence the number of visitors will increase at the end of the year because of improved tourists’ confidence due to the stable political atmosphere, and because of an expansion in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand.

She expected 24.9 million foreign arrivals for the entire year and 1.8 trillion baht in tourism revenues were expected to be generated.

To stimulate the year-end tourism scene, the tourism ministry will be issuing New Year’s count down calendars that showcase the New Year’s celebrations in the various localities of Thailand.

The ministry will also promote tourism in 12 provinces that are located adjacent to most-visited provinces.

They include Lampang, Nan, Trang, Ratchaburi, Loei, and Chumphon

Thai PBS

Stay updated with Samui Times by following us on Facebook.