Thailand Aims 1.74 Million Indians in 2024
India becomes the 4th largest source market for Thailand in 2023
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s consistent marketing and promotional activities in the India market has been bearing a good result for the Kingdom. Except pandemic pause, Thailand has constantly been solidifying its position in the India market.
According to a release issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Kingdome welcomed 1.62 million Indian visitors in 2023. This resulted into making India the 4th largest source market for Thailand. Revenue generated from Indian travellers’ spending amounted to over 63 billion Baht in 2023. This year, as of 15 February, India ranked fifth with 242,839 arrivals. The encouraging numbers further prompted TAT to adopt an aggressive promotional approach for the India market.
“I am determined to elevate Thailand to be a quality and safe destination that delivers a valuable experience to our visitors from India through Thailand’s Soft Powers and promotes Thailand to be an all-year-round destination,” Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports said recently at a media briefing in New Delhi at the occasion of SATTE 2024.
Thai government currently waives tourist visas for Indian citizens, effective from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024 and is also working to boost connectivity between the two countries. The visa waiver and thrust on connectivity are aimed at achieving the target of welcoming 1.74 million Indian visitors in 2024.
Elaborating further, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, TAT, said “Key strategies to realise our targets will be subsidy schemes for incentive, wedding, and celebration groups. Joint promotions with airlines and travel agents will be offered for repeat visitors and golfers. Just as importantly, we will continue to strengthen our presence through India’s leading shows including the Outbound Travel Mart in Mumbai, and this SATTE in New Delhi.”
TAT has been focusing to tap the potential of family, millennials, wedding and celebrations, golfers, luxury, and incentive group from India. The Authority now aims to expand its reach to new segments such as: senior citizens, women travellers, rejuvenating tours, and adventure sports. The Gen Z and LGBTQIA+ are also earmarked as potentials segments, the release issued by TAT New Delhi Office said.
In order to further increase the Indian arrivals, TAT is promoting new destinations like Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai and others apart from established destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya.
Kiatphaibool said, “TAT’s activity in India aligns with our “PASS strategy” to drive Thailand’s tourism towards High-Value and Sustainability. This encompasses ‘Partnership 360’ efforts, digital transformation, subculture movement, and sustainable practices.”
In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign visitors, generating 1.2 trillion Baht in revenue. The top five visitor markets by the number of arrivals were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia.
