Southeast Asia's second largest economy expects 40 million foreign tourists next year

By VNA December 7, 2024 | 12:31 am PT

Russian tourists sit at the beach in Phuket, Thailand, March 8, 2022. Photo by Reuters

Thailand, Southeast Asia's second largest economy, has forecast that foreign arrivals will reach 40 million in 2025 following the government's measures to stimulate the economy and tourism.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said she expects that Thai tourism will continue its upward trajectory next year, with 29 million short-haul tourists and 11 million long-haul tourists.

Tourism revenue is expected to rise by 7.5% compared to 2024.

She highlighted the recently announced Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025 campaign, a collaborative effort by all government ministries to boost tourism, adding that Thailand will also host next year's Southeast Asian Games on Dec. 9-20 and FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship on Aug. 22-Sept. 7.

Thapanee said TAT tourism stimulus measures next year include activities, tourism routes, shopping privileges, celebrity invitations and festival celebrations.

The authority will also ask airlines from India and China – two of Thailand's largest tourism markets – to increase flights to the country.

Thapanee also expects foreign arrivals this year to reach 35 million, generating 2.9 trillion baht (US$85.3 billion) for Thailand.