Thailand achieved a strong growth in January with a steady increase in international visitor numbers and revenue in the first quarter of this year. The strong performance in January can be attributed to the significant growth in tourist arrivals at international airports throughout the kingdom, with China being the largest market.
Thailand received a high demand from the China market for the Chinese New Year holiday period. In January 2015, Thailand welcomed a total of 2.65 million foreign tourists and generated about 120 billion Baht in revenue, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.9 per cent and 12.7 per cent, respectively.
Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports expects to enjoy a steady increase in the first quarter, especially in February due to the high demand from the China market during this coming Lunar New Year.
Thailand is home to the world’s largest Chinatown (in Yaowarat, Bangkok), which is also the location for the nation’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations. But travelers are also invited to enjoy a rich and diverse cultural mix of festivities that take place at key destinations up and down the kingdom, including Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Trang, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Songkhla (Hat Yai), Ayutthaya, Chon Buri (Pattaya), and Chiang Mai.
