Tourist arrivals rise, especially from Europe

BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) – The number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand has risen by four per cent during the first four months this year, with most new arrivals coming from Europe, Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Phornsiri Manoharn said Thursday.

About four million foreign tourists visited Thailand between January and April, marking a 4 per cent increase from the corresponding period last year, while a total of 14.8 million international visitors are expected to come throughout this year, bringing in combined revenues of up to Bt547 million, the TAT governor said.

Though increasing numbers of tourists had come from Europe, the number of arrivals from China, Hong Kong and Singapore had dropped, Mrs. Phornsiri said.

However, TAT plans to maintain Thailand as a major attraction for foreign tourists, especially to those from the Middle East, Africa and eastern Europe, during the low or rainy season, which normally lasts for a four-month period, she said.

For that reason, certain provinces which had before now been lesser known to overseas visitors will be promoted as new destinations, such as Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat, she added.

TNA