Tourexpi
Thailand Welcomed Over 35 Million Visitors in 2024: A Milestone Paving the Way for 2025
The
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announces that international
tourist arrivals have surpassed the target of 35 million visitors in 2024,
generating over 1.8 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. This landmark achievement
highlights Thailand’s strong tourism rebound and sets the foundation for an
even greater year ahead, as 2025 has been declared the ‘Amazing Thailand
Grand Tourism and Sports Year.’
With
targets for 2025 to welcome between 36 and 39 million international visitors
and generate 1.98–2.23 trillion Baht in tourism revenue, Thailand is poised to
strengthen its position as a premier global Tourism Hub, offering
exceptional experiences and fostering sustainable growth across the sector.
Key
Drivers of Success in 2024
TAT
Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool credited this remarkable achievement to
strategic government initiatives that enhanced Thailand’s appeal as a
world-class destination. From 1 January to 27 December 2024, Thailand welcomed
35,047,501 visitors, a testament to these efforts.
Key
policies included the visa exemption for citizens of 93 countries, allowing
stays of up to 60 days, and the elimination of TM.6 immigration forms at 16 key
border crossings, streamlining entry processes. These measures significantly
improved travel convenience, encouraging more visitors to choose Thailand.
The
aviation sector also played a vital role, with international airlines resuming
routes and introducing new ones from primary and secondary cities worldwide.
This expansion increased total airline seat capacity into Thailand to 47
million in 2024—a 26% rise compared to 2023. Over 311 additional flights were
scheduled during the December high season, adding over 70,000 seats.
Adding
to Thailand’s appeal were high-profile events and festivals, such as the Amazing
Thailand Countdown 2024, the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, and
fan meet concerts featuring Thai and international artists. Attractions
inspired by popular TV series, music videos, and movie filming locations
further captivated global audiences, expanding the market for quality tourists
from short-haul and long-haul regions.
Enhanced
Connectivity for the High Season
Expanded
flight routes significantly improved accessibility to Thailand during the high
season:
Short-haul
regions:
·
Northeast Asia: Ruili Airlines
(Kunming-Chiang Mai, charter flight), Hainan Airlines (Beijing-Phuket), Thai
Lion Air (Datong-Bangkok, Hualien-Bangkok, Tainan-Chiang Rai), Thai AirAsia X
(Harbin-Bangkok), 9AIR (Lianyungang-Bangkok), Spring Airlines
(Shijiazhuang-Bangkok, Yangzhou-Bangkok), Eastar Jet (Busan-Chiang Mai), Jeju
Airlines (Muan-Bangkok), MIAT – Mongolian Airlines (Ulaanbaatar-Phuket).
·
ASEAN countries: AirAsia (Phu
Quoc-Bangkok, Siem Reap-Phuket), Vietravel Airlines (Can Tho-Bangkok, Nha
Trang-Chiang Mai, charter flight), Lao Airlines (Luang Prabang-Chiang Mai),
Malindo Airways (Johor Bahru-Bangkok).
·
South Asia: AirAsia (Kolkata-Phuket,
Chennai-Phuket, Hyderabad-Bangkok, New Delhi-Bangkok), Nok Air (Mumbai-Bangkok,
Don Mueang), Thai Lion Air (Amritsar-Bangkok, Chennai-Bangkok,
Kolkata-Bangkok), Druk Air (Gaya-Bangkok), IndiGo Air (Kolkata-Phuket), Thai
VietJet Air (Mumbai-Bangkok), Air India Express (Pune-Bangkok, Surat-Bangkok).
·
Oceania: Thai AirAsia
(Sydney-Bangkok), Air Calédonie International (Nouméa-Bangkok), JetStar
(Brisbane-Bangkok).
Long-haul
regions:
·
Europe: British Airways
(London-Bangkok), Edelweiss (Zurich-Phuket), Thai Airways International
(Brussels-Bangkok), Austrian Airlines (Vienna-Bangkok), Condor
(Frankfurt-Bangkok, Frankfurt-Phuket), ITA Airways (Rome-Bangkok), TUI (charter
flights: London-Phuket, Manchester-Phuket), TUIfly Nordic (charter flights:
Copenhagen-Krabi, Helsinki-Krabi, Stockholm-Krabi, Gothenburg-Krabi,
Gothenburg-Phuket), Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia (charter flights:
Copenhagen-Phuket, Oslo-Phuket), Neos Air (charter flights: Ostrava-Phuket),
Air Calédonie International (Paris-Bangkok).
North
America: Air Canada (Vancouver-Bangkok).
Middle
East: Saudia Airlines (Riyadh-Phuket, Jeddah-Phuket).
This
expanded connectivity, paired with Thailand’s renowned hospitality and diverse
attractions, solidified the country’s reputation as a premier global tourism
hub.
Looking
Ahead to 2025
As
Thailand prepares for the ‘Amazing
Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025,’ TAT aims to build on
this momentum with the following strategies:
·
Hosting world-class events and
festivals.
·
Showcasing unique Thai cultural
experiences.
·
Enhancing travel convenience and
offering exclusive visitor benefits.
·
Collaborating with global influencers
to amplify Thailand’s appeal.
Thailand’s
vision of becoming the leading tourism hub in the region is underpinned by its
commitment to exceptional experiences and sustainable growth in the tourism
sector.
Image
Credit: © TAT
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