Southeast Asian countries keep an eye on tourism targets

Thailand received 29.08 million foreign tourists by October, and they spent 1.358 trillion baht (US$40.14 billion) in the country.

Topping the list of arrivals were Chinese tourists at 5.75 million followed by visitors from Malaysia (4.18 million), India (1.72 million), South Korea (1.53 million), and Russia (1.3 million), according to the country's Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

To hit its target of 36 million foreign arrivals for the year, Thailand needs another seven million visitors.

The country has indefinitely extended its visa-free entry for Indians to attract visitors from the world's most populous nation.

Starting Dec. 1 Thailand will implement a new biometric identification system at six major airports, allowing travelers to use facial recognition technology to expedite immigration procedures.

Vietnam received over 14 million foreign tourists by October, a 41% year-on-year increase and positioning it to reach its target of 18 million.

From Nov. 11 all international travelers can apply for e-visas through a new web portal, thithucdientu.gov.vn, as part of efforts to simplify entry procedures.

Singapore received 13.9 million visitors, up 23% from last year.

Indian tourists have been a bright spot, surpassing the one-million milestone two months ahead of schedule.

India is now Singapore’s third largest source of visitors.

The Philippines received 4.88 million tourists, a 10% increase, but well short of its 7.7 million target.

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia have not yet released figures for the first 10 months.

But as of September Indonesia had received 10.37 million visitors, a 20.28% rise, and remained on track to achieving its 14-million target.

Malaysia had only reached around 70% of its target with 18.39 million foreign tourists by September.

Cambodia recorded a 22% year-on-year increase with 4.8 million visitors in the first nine months and targets six million for the year.