Thailand set to surpass tourism target
Despite the fallout from the recent Bangkok blast, The Tourism Council of Thailand is feeling bullish enough to revise up its expected forecast from 28.8 million to 30 million inbound tourists this year.
TCT president Ittirit Kinglake said 8.1 million international tourists are expected to visit in the fourth quarter, a rise of 9% from same time last year.
"The bomb blast at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok last month hit the sector, but only for a short time. This fear will not affect the industry during the coming high season," Ittirit said
Since the downturn in Russian tourists due to the weakened Rouble, the China market has edged even further ahead as the dominant tourist market in Thailand.
TCT expects 8 million Chinese visitors this year and a fourth quarter recovery from South East Asia markets during peak season.
Thailand lost about 1.3 million tourists due to the Erawan Shrine blast but has bounced back quickly the TCT said.
"Hong Kong will withdraw its travel warning within three or four days," Ittirit added.
He said the TCT and the Tourism Authority of Thailand plan to invite celebrities from Hong Kong and mainland China in the coming months to perform concerts in central Bangkok and visit the Erawan Shine in order to promote confidence in the city as a safe tourist destination.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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