Thailand's tourism triumph: visitor numbers rise in 2024

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced impressive results for the first half of 2024, thanks to supportive government policies.

From January 1 to June 30, Thailand hosted more than 17.5 million international visitors, generating more than 825 billion baht in revenue. To build on this success, the government is rolling out the "IGNITE Thailand's Tourism" campaign, which aims to enhance the country's attractiveness by linking major cities to attractive secondary destinations, particularly in the lower northeast region.

A highlight of the campaign is the "LABUBU's Welcome Ceremony" project, which celebrates 50 years of Thai-Chinese relations. It includes a promotional video showcasing LABUBU's visits to Thailand, emphasizing the "5 Must Do in Thailand" activities.

The top five sources of tourists to Thailand in this period were China, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia. The last week of June alone saw 660,000 international tourists, up 2.98% from the previous week, partly due to Pride Month celebrations.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focused on promoting tourism through the “IGNITE Thailand’s Tourism” initiative. They are linking major cities to other attractive locations, starting with the lower northeastern provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima. The region offers rich natural, cultural, and historical experiences. TAT aims to make Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand’s first UNESCO Triple Heritage city, highlighting attractions like the Sakarat Environmental Research Station, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and Khorat Geopark.

TAT is also working with POP MART on the LABUBU project, dressing the LABUBU mascot in traditional Thai attire and creating a promotional video for Chinese tourists.

The ministry expects more international tourists to come, influenced by the release of Lisa's new music video "Rockstar" and the European summer holiday season. Prime Minister Shrestha Thawisin has full confidence in Thailand's tourism potential and collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists, which will benefit the whole country.