BANGKOK – Thailand’s tourism industry experienced a significant rebound in 2024, by welcoming 35.54 million foreign tourists, marking a 26.27% increase from the previous year. This surge contributed to a total revenue of 1.67 trillion baht, reflecting a 34% rise, according to Mr. Poonpong Nainapakorn, Director of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Key Drivers of Growth
Tourism continues to be a crucial pillar of Thailand’s economy, benefiting various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. Several factors fueled the industry’s resurgence, including heightened international travel demand, visa exemptions, streamlined entry procedures, reduced TM6 requirements, and expanded flight routes.
Despite the strong recovery, challenges persist. Economic slowdowns in key source markets, ongoing public health concerns, and infrastructure readiness remain critical issues that could impact future growth.
Top Source Markets
The five largest tourist source countries in 2024 were:
- China – 6.73 million visitors
- Malaysia – 4.95 million visitors
- India – 2.13 million visitors
- South Korea – 1.87 million visitors
- Russia – 1.75 million visitors
While Chinese arrivals showed signs of recovery, they remained at only 60.45% of pre-pandemic levels.
Spending Patterns and Economic Contributions
Most foreign visitors came from short-haul markets, where average spending and length of stay tend to be relatively low. To maximize economic gains, officials have recommended focusing on high-spending tourism segments, such as wellness tourism and international events.
In the third quarter of 2024, tourism contributed 650.95 billion baht to Thailand’s GDP, accounting for 14.16% of the national economy.
Government Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Growth
The Commerce Ministry has pledged ongoing support for tourism businesses and initiatives that leverage Thailand’s cultural and creative soft power to attract a broader range of visitors. As the sector continues to grow, policymakers aim to sustain long-term development while addressing key challenges to ensure Thailand remains a leading global tourism destination. (zai)