BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting a significant surge in foreign tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday from Jan 8-16, with the aim of hosting over one million visitors.

Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said the expectation of approximately 195,825 tourists from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan combined, marking a remarkable 137 per cent increase from the previous year, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

This influx is projected to generate a substantial income of 11.40 billion baht (US$320 million), representing a notable 157 per cent rise compared to the same period last year.

The positive outlook is attributed to favourable travel conditions, among others are Thailand’s visa waiver policy, and increased flight availability.

Among the Chinese tourists, the majority, around 150,295 individuals, are expected to arrive from mainland China, signifying a remarkable 335 per cent increase from 2023. Hong Kong and Taiwan are predicted to contribute 22,830 and 22,700 tourists, respectively.

Sudawan estimates an average spending of 58,236 baht per person per trip for Chinese tourists during the 2024 Lunar New Year celebration, reflecting an 8 per cent increase from the previous year.

The spending is likely to concentrate in Bangkok, where Chinese tourists, particularly from Hong Kong and Taiwan, prefer staying in high-end hotels.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatpaiboon predicts the total revenue during the Lunar New Year celebration to reach 34.39 billion baht, marking a substantial 29 per cent increase from 2023.

She emphasises that international markets will contribute 28.39 billion baht, a 36 per cent increase driven by an anticipated 34 per cent growth in foreign tourists to 995,000.

Additionally, revenue from domestic tourism is projected to be 6 billion baht, a 6 per cent increase, propelled by an expected 10 per cent rise in the number of Thai domestic tourists to 2 million. – BERNAMA-VNA / pic TMR FILE