Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai
According to the breaking news of Bangkok Post, the total number of foreign tourist arrivals this year is projected at 18.5 million, and that they would generate tourism-related revenue of more than 700 billion baht, Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa said on Monday.
Mr Chumpol, a deputy prime minister, explained that although the flood had reduced the number of tourist arrivals in October and November, the number of tourists soared after December 15, with about 40,000 foreign visitors per day passing through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Mr Chumpol estimated tourist arrivals at 18.5 million this year, but if the figure reaches 1.6-1.7 million this month, the arrivals in 2011 could even reach 19 million.
Mr Chumpol said he would implement promotion campaigns that the past government had already applied. They include extended holidays, free visas and reduced landing fees. In addition, his ministry will arrange for the lending of 5 billion baht to flood-affected tour operators to support their rehabilitation.
Mr Chumpol believed that tourism promotion would raise the tourism-related income of Thailand to 2 trillion baht per year in five years.