China News Service, Bangkok, March 9 (Reporter Li Yingmin) Thailand's Kasikorn Research Center released a report on the 9th stating that Thailand is expected to receive 36 million foreign tourists in 2024.
The center's estimate is based on a 50% year-on-year increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand in the first two months of this year.
According to data from Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in January and February, the number of tourists from Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, India, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia has rebounded to pre-epidemic levels in 2019.
Kasikorn Research Center predicts that the number of foreign tourists entering Thailand in the first quarter will reach 9.32 million, a year-on-year increase of 42.7%, and there will be positive signs throughout the year.
Kasikorn Research attributed the surge in the number of foreign tourists to Thailand's improving economy and the government's short- and long-term tourism promotion policies.
The most prominent one is the visa-free entry policy implemented for tourists from multiple countries since September last year, the center said.
Other supporting factors include airlines launching new routes to Thailand and increasing flight frequencies.
Data from the National Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand shows that the number of international flights in Thailand increased by 34% from January to February compared with the same period last year.
The center predicts that general airlines and low-cost airlines will open more routes from China, Japan, South Korea and other countries throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the center said international events and sports events, including the 2024 FIFA Congress scheduled for May, will continue to attract foreign tourists to Thailand.
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