National —
On September 3rd, 2024, Ms. Somrudi Chitjong, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that the target for domestic tourism in the remaining months of 2024 is set at 200 million trips, estimated to generate 1.08 trillion baht in revenue.
The Thai government’s goal is even more ambitious, aiming for 210 million trips and 1.2 trillion baht in revenue. Despite the challenges, Somrudi expressed confidence that these targets are achievable.
From January to July 2024, domestic tourism reportedly saw 160.49 million trips, an 8.88% increase, generating 581.99 billion baht in revenue, up 12.44% from the previous year. Despite economic challenges and delayed government budgets, the domestic tourism market has performed well, with positive growth in both trips and revenue, remarked Somrudi.
Somrudi acknowledged that while the travel numbers are promising, several factors, including changes in consumer behavior and the impact of the economy, could affect overall revenue. Tourists may spend less during trips, opting to purchase items online afterward. She also pointed out that local products, particularly community goods, have struggled to attract spending due to a lack of development, especially in packaging.
To boost domestic travel, TAT has planned continuous campaigns for the remainder of 2024. In September, a special promotion with six domestic airlines, including Thai Airways, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air, will offer discounted weekday travel until December 16th, 2024. This initiative aims to increase weekday travel ahead of the peak tourist season, said Somrudi.
Somrudi also highlighted the need for Thai tourists to plan trips further in advance to avoid higher prices from last-minute bookings. Additionally, she addressed the increase in outbound travel, especially to China, due to visa-free policies and lower travel costs. She emphasized the importance of addressing Thailand’s tourism challenges, particularly in supply-side development, to remain competitive.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
