Thailand expects nearly 20 billion THB in Songkran circulation. (Source: http://thainews.prd.go.th) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting up to 20 billion THB to be spent by both domestic and international visitors during the Songkran holiday, especially after the Cabinet announced an extra day for the festivities and tax incentives for tourism.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn revealed his agency expects an increase of 12 percent in tourism growth from Songkran last year with as many as 3 million people expected to travel from April 12-16.
The travellers are to put up to 10 billion THB into circulation, 15 percent more year-on-year. He indicated the Cabinet adding April 12 to the holiday this year, bringing the entire period to five days, as well as tax incentives for travel to minor cities as contributing factors.
The TAT estimates 530,000 foreign travellers will enter Thailand during the holiday, up 13 percent from last year. They are to spend an estimated over 9.378 billion THB, up 21 percent year-on-year.
The numbers of French, Taiwanese, Republic of Korean, Russian and Australian visitors are forecast to grow the most this year. More than 165,000 Chinese visitors are expected, 38 percent more than 2017.
All together domestic and international tourists are hoped to spend no less than 19.8 billion THB, 18 percent higher than last year.-VNA
VNA
