More than 35 million international tourists visited Thailand in 2024, surpassing the government's target at a time when the country is trying to revive its battered economy.
The country's key tourism sector is responsible for almost 20% of its gross domestic product, but has encountered difficulties in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and changing travel habits.
More than 35 million visitors came to the kingdom in 2024. According to the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, this is about 4 million fewer than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019, AFP reported.
China regained its position as Thailand's biggest source of visitors after post-pandemic decline, with more than 6 million tourists last year, followed by Malaysia and India.
The kingdom - known for its pristine beaches and iconic temples - has generated more than $46 billion in tourist spending through 2024, according to Tourism Minister Soravong Thienhong.
The Thai government under former Prime Minister Sreta Thawisin introduced a number of measures to attract foreign visitors, including a free visa programme for Chinese and Indian tourists.
After exceeding its target of 35 million tourists in 2024, the government has set a target of 39 million visitors in 2025.
The World Bank has estimated that the country will exceed its pre-pandemic level in 2025, but tourists are spending less than before. | BGNES
