Chinese New Year 2024 Looks Vibrant: TAT Predicts 42.2 Billion Baht in Tourism Revenue

On January 29, 2024, Thapanee Kiatpaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that the 2024 Chinese New Year is a peak tourism season for Chinese and other international markets visiting Thailand. TAT predicts tourism numbers and revenue for the period between February 13-22, 2024. The forecast includes approximately 1.25 million international tourists and 2.30 million domestic traveler-trips, generating around 42,230 million baht in tourism revenue - a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. Thapanee noted that the Chinese market's trend has been continuously improving, with daily Chinese tourist arrivals consistently averaging 13,000-14,000 visitors, making China the top foreign market for Thai tourism. Marketing efforts and interactions with Chinese tour agents show positive trends in inquiries and bookings, suggesting an excellent tourism atmosphere for both international and domestic travelers. The TAT emphasized Thailand's improving positive image among international tourists, particularly in the Chinese market, with no significant negative online discussions about safety, despite recent incidents. The Tourism Department is also implementing strategies like charter flights from second and third-tier Chinese cities and competing for tourists who might have canceled trips to Japan, with plans to attract more Malaysian tourists through events in Hat Yai.