The head of Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) expects a significant increase in international visitors throughout the year, with the primary focus on European travelers.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced on Sunday that European tourist arrivals have surged rapidly. From January to April, Thailand welcomed 3.5 million visitors from Europe—an 18.91% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth has been largely driven by visitors from Britain, France, Germany, and Russia.
Last year, Europe’s key countries recorded notable increases: Russia with 1.74 million visitors (up 17.72%), Germany with 873,364 visitors (up 19.78%), the United Kingdom with 965,862 visitors (up 18.19%), and Israel with 281,803 visitors (up 29.81%).
In the first four months of this year, visits from Israel soared by 91.07%, Uzbekistan increased by 62.57%, Poland by 38.94%, and Romania by 32.54%. Meanwhile, major markets such as Britain saw a 20.83% rise, France 21.41%, and Germany 13.03%.
These positive trends are attributed to the resumption and introduction of new direct flights connecting Thailand with cities like Brussels, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, Oslo, Paris, Rome, and Stockholm, according to Ms. Thapanee.
Looking ahead, pre-bookings for July to September have increased by 21%, with expectations of a 17% rise during the high season from October to December.
