26.7 Million Visit Thailand in 2013; Targets 28.01 Million in 2014

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, more commonly known as TAT, Thailand welcomed a total of 26,735,583 visitor arrivals in 2013, exceeding the year’s original target of 26.1 million and representing a 19.6% increase over the 22,353,903 international tourists in 2012.

According to data tabulated by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in 2013, six Asia Pacific countries contributed more than one million visitor arrivals.

China topped the chart at 4.7 million arrivals (a 68.83% jump), followed by Malaysia with 2.99 million tourists (up 17.29%), Russia with 1.73 million arrivals (a 31.93% growth), Japan with 1.53 million tourists (an 11.96% increase), South Korea at 1.29 million arrivals (up 11.48%), and India at 1.04 million visitors (a 3.61% increase).

By region, East Asia remains the largest contributor at 16.09 million arrivals (up 28.47%), representing a 60.18% share of the overall visitor markets to Thailand.

Europe is the second largest market by region at 6.3 million visitors (an 11.62% increase), followed by South Asia at 1.34 million arrivals (a 4.63% growth) and the Americas at 1.17 million tourists (up 8.05%).

In related statistics, the number of visitor arrivals to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports reached a total of 16,989, 458 in 2013, representing a 16.65% increase over 2012. In December 2013, the number reached 1.59 million arrivals or 1.99% year-on-year increase.

And, despite the uncertain times that the country faces with anti-government protestors currently demonstrating in many parts of Bangkok and elsewhere, TAT still expects the country to welcome 28.01 million international tourist arrivals in 2014.