Thailand sees surge in Portuguese tourist arrivals

Thailand sees surge in Portuguese tourist arrivals, aims to surpass pre-pandemic numbers

Thailand is witnessing a significant increase in the number of visitors from Portugal, with a 44% increase recorded between January and April this year.

Nanthasiri Ronasiri, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Southern Europe, aims to surpass the pre-pandemic figure of 52,000 Portuguese tourists this year. She highlighted that the increase in the first four months indicates Thailand's recovery and return to normality after the pandemic.

"We have implemented various initiatives to attract Portuguese visitors, including the launch of 'Famtrip' earlier this year and collaborations with Portuguese tour operators. Although Portugal knows Thailand well, our goal is to continue this growing trend," Ronasiri commented during the opening of the Thailand Festival in Lisbon. Rosario Louro, TAT representative in Portugal, pointed out that in 2019, Thailand received 52,000 Portuguese tourists, which dropped to 42,000 in 2023 due to the pandemic, but now the number is increasing again.

"Despite Portugal being one of the last markets to resume travel to Thailand after the pandemic, Portugal has shown stronger growth to Thailand than most European countries," Louro pointed out.

He stressed that Thailand is currently a safe destination, attracting Portuguese and European travellers looking for stability amid global uncertainties.