Southeast Asia's second largest economy welcomes over 31 million foreign tourists

By VNA December 1, 2024 | 07:21 pm PT

Tourists wait for their boats in Phuket, Thailand. Photo by Reuters

Thailand, Southeast Asia's second largest economy, welcomed more than 31 million foreign tourists whose accumulated spending amounted to approximately 1.46 trillion baht (US$42.3 billion) from Jan. 1 to Nov. 24.

Chinese tourists made up the largest number of foreign arrivals at over 6 million, followed by those from Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia.

This year Thailand eyes 36 million foreign tourists by the end of this year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who also serves as chairman of the national tourism policy committee, said the government has designated the year as "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025" and laid on a series of special events to attract more tourists.

Under the initiative, the government aims to see more than 40 million foreign visitors arrive next year, generating 3.4 trillion baht in revenue.

Suriya said that it had been agreed that five campaigns called Grand Festivity, Grand Moment, Grand Privilege, Grand Invitation, and Grand Celebration would be launched to support the initiative.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the year-long campaign will incorporate events such as the MotoGP races in February and March Moto and the famous Songkran festival in April.

To achieve the year's revenue target, Thailand is investing in infrastructure and improving visa processes, including a pan-ASEAN common visa policy, the ministry said.