by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai
According to Thailand’s 2014 marketing plan, China, Russia and India will be the fastest-growing markets for Thai tourism in 2014. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts next year a 7% jump in foreign arrivals, with revenue up 13%. Foreign arrivals are forecast to hit 28 million, an increase of 7 percent from the 2013 projection of 24.5 million. Tourism revenue next year is projected at Bt 1.32 trillion, up 13 percent from this year’s estimate of Bt 1.14 trillion.
Forecasts for revenue from domestic tourism in 2014 to increase 9 percent to Bt 700 billion. Thai tourists next year are expected to take 176 million trips, up from the 107 million forecast for this year.
These projections were made after the TAT’s five-day annual workshop held at Bang Saen, Chon Buri, last week. About 300 TAT employees discussed the national tourism outlook to map out a direction for next year. Their conclusions were presented to the private sector by TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni and the Deputy Governors. .