Illustrative image (Photo: https://abcnews.go.com/) Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand is bolstering measures to “restart tourism” and expect towelcome 40 million foreign visitors in 2024 and earn 3.1 trillion THB (88billion USD) in tourism revenue, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced on September13.
He said that theanticipated revenue next year would be 29% higher than the 2.4 trillion THB (68billion USD) the government expects from tourism this year.
Tourism is the only economic engine that canstill run and is expected to generate substantial revenue for the country, he noted.
The foreign arrival figure of 40 million would match thepre-pandemic record set in 2019, something tourism industry experts thoughtmight not happen for a few more years.
To achieve its goals next year, the government has outlined10 measures for tourism promotion, including a visa exemption scheme to visitorsfrom China and Kazakhstan from September 25, 2023 to February 29, 2024. Thescheme is already open to visitors from 39 countries while visitors from nineother countries can obtain visas upon arrival.
Other measures include special tourist safetymeasures, commercial video and arrangements for actors and singers to promoteThailand as a great destination.
The Prime Minister will also visit targetedcountries to persuade their citizens to visit Thailand.
As well, an “online crisis management” team will be set up torespond to any incidents that affect tourism in Thailand.
According to Chai, the measures to restart Thai tourism and make ita revenue engine that generates a quick win and new income for economicrecovery.
Tourismdirectly and indirectly accounts for about 20% of Thailand's gross domestic product.Exports account for about 60% of GDP but have been sluggish because of weakglobal demand.
Thailand is expected to receive 28 million foreign visitors andearn 2.4 trillion THB in tourism revenue this year, including 1.4 trillion THB from foreigners and 1trillion THB from local travelers/.
