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Thailand expects FTAs to touch 10 million in 2022
Thailand expects to get 400 billion baht (USD 10.9 billion) from Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in the second half of 2022. This is post easing of most Covid-19 restrictions and increase in the number of leisure tourists coming to the destination. About 7.5 million international travellers are expected to travel to tourist hotspots such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui between July and December, a 1,840 per cent jump from a year earlier, according to Rachada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesman. That will propel the full-year arrivals to 10 million, she said. Thailand, like most tourism-reliant countries, is benefiting from a rebound in global travel demand with authorities scrapping all pandemic-era restrictions that kept visitors out for almost two years. The better-than-expected recovery in tourism has prompted the central bank and other government agencies to raise estimates on arrivals, helping cushion the blow to South-east Asia's second-biggest economy from multi-year high inflation and slowing exports. "Government incentives and measures will further accelerate the recovery in the country's tourism industry," said Rachada Still, a persisting Covid outbreak, Ukraine-Russia tension and inflation are seen as key obstacles for Thailand's tourism recovery, she added. The return of holidaymakers has also fuelled registration of new tourism-related businesses. Almost 550 new businesses sought permission in the first seven months, up 169 per cent from a year earlier, Rachada said, citing the commerce ministry's data. Source: BLOOMBERG
Thailand targets tourism revenue of up to USD 65 billion next year
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it expects the tourism industry to generate revenue of up to USD 65.03 billion next year. In a best-case scenario, revenue of 1.5 trillion baht would come from international visitors and 880 billion baht from domestic tourism, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, adding that would be equivalent to about 80 per cent of the sector's performance before the pandemic struck. Thailand has received about 2 million foreign visitors in the first six months of this year, a steady revival after its tourism industry almost collapsed due to the pandemic and more than 18 months of complex and costly entry requirements. Earlier this year, Thailand launched a long-term visa programme for wealthy foreigners and skilled workers, sticking to its plan to lure high-spending visitors, despite major jobs and business losses in tourism during the pandemic.
India leads the tourist rush to Thailand as arrivals surpass 2 million
Indians followed by Malaysians are leading a tourist rush to Thailand after it relaxed entry rules, with total arrivals topping 2 million since the start of the year and providing a fillip to the Southeast Asian nation’s sluggish economy. Foreign tourist arrivals totaled 2.03 million between January 1 and June 26, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said. Travellers from India, Malaysia, the UK, Singapore and the US topped the list, she said. Thailand’s tourism industry, which was nearly decimated during the pandemic, expects average monthly arrivals to surge to about 1.5 million with the country scrapping a pre-travel registration and mandatory medical insurance from July 1. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy has rolled back most of the pandemic-era curbs on travel and businesses, and last week lifted a mask mandate while allowing pubs and bars to return to normal operating hours. The measures are part of efforts to shore up an economy which depended on tourism to generate about 12% of gross domestic product before the pandemic. A weaker currency and the recent legalisation of cannabis may also help bring back more tourists to Thailand, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said last week. The Ministry has set a “conservative” forecast to attract 7.5 million foreign arrivals this year, based on the assumption that Chinese tourists will remain absent due to that country’s Covid-Zero policy and factoring in the war in Ukraine, he said. While Thailand is unlikely to see pre-Covid levels of tourist arrivals without Chinese visitors, a gradual easing of travel curbs for students and business executives and resumption of flights between the two countries offered optimism of the return of holidaymakers in the second half, Traisuree added. Chinese tourists made up almost 30% of the total of 40 million tourists Thailand received in 2019, the year before the pandemic, according to official data. (Source: Bloomberg)
Tripseed announces representation services to help international operators tap USD14.9 billion Thai outbound travel market
Tripseed has announced a range of new services to provide local and online representation for operators wishing to tap into the $14.9 billion USD Thai outbound travel market. According to the UNWTO, European Travel Commission, and Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism & Sports, the Thailand outbound tourism market was one of the fastest growing in the region prior to the pandemic. In 2019, the outbound tourism expenditure of Thai travellers reached a record peak just shy of $15 billion USD, surpassing its close competitors Malaysia and Indonesia, and placing the country behind only China and Singapore in regional outbound expenditure. Tripseed have already been operating domestic and outbound trips to the UK, USA and Australia for the Thai market over the past 6 months as the market has begun to recover but are now seeking to align their domestic success more harmoniously with their inbound travel services for Tripseed’s international partners. The most popular long-haul destinations for Thai travellers include much of Western Europe and the United Kingdom, where Tripseed have been building strong partnerships over the past year as the leading ground operator of choice for Travel Agents and Tour Operators that are sending travellers to Thailand. “At Tripseed, we’ve always been centred around a single goal – to grow our partners businesses. The launch of our market representation services is just the natural progression of how we continue to achieve this” said Narissara Wongmahawan, Co-founder of Tripseed. The new services on offer by Tripseed will include the localisation of sales and marketing to appeal to Thai audiences, consultation on market penetration and product development to align travel packages with market demand, and on-the-ground representation at travel fairs and exhibitions around the country. “Initially, we’ll be focussing on extending our partnerships with operators and agents in these key long-haul outbound markets who are already working with us as their ground operator in Thailand. This aligns with the demand we have received from within our domestic Thai market, to provide outbound travel services to the UK, Europe, USA and Australia.” Wongmahawan continued. “Following this, we’ll also be expanding the offering of these services out to suppliers and partners in popular short-haul destinations for the Thai market including hotels and operators in Japan, South Korea and China.” Tripseed is confident that the strong resurgence in demand for outbound travel makes now the perfect opportunity for international agents and operators to consider tapping into new markets and diversifying their businesses. Tripseed welcome all interested partners to connect with them now via their dedicated account managers, or via their website at www.tripseed.com. Alternatively, interested parties may email hello@tripseed.com.
Thailand approves USD2.8 billion more economic support
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a further THB 92 billion (USD 2.76 billion) of relief measures to help boost its flagging economy as the Southeast Asian country deals with its biggest and most prolonged coronavirus outbreak. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the programme to draw 10,000 foreigners with investment spending of about 300 billion baht. The move is in line with a wider plan to lure a million foreigners to help the economy. Thailand's economy is expected to grow just 0.7% this year after a 6.1% contraction last year, the central bank forecast, with the key tourism sector still stumbling. Thailand earlier this year approved a further 500 billion baht borrowing plan to mitigate the impact of the epidemic. Of the approved support, the government will offer THB 42 billion of cash transfers under an existing co-payment scheme between November and December, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said. There will be THB 3 billion in e-vouchers for spenders under an existing scheme, about THB 8.1 billion for holders of state welfare cards and about 1.38 billion baht for those with special needs, he said. “Every measure is to stimulate a recovering economy and to help people and business operators,” Thanakorn said. The cabinet also approved 37.5 billion baht of stimulus to help smaller firms retain 4.2 million jobs, he said. That is less than an earlier estimated 45.4 billion baht for 5.04 million workers, according to the state planning agency. The cabinet also approved a plan to allow foreigners on special visas to join a “flexible plus programme” and seek work permits, said deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Traisoranakul. But participants will be required to invest at least $1 million within a year, either in property, companies and securities, she said.
Tourism recovery: One Million Baht Club privilege plan launched for first time in Thailand
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit has announced its cooperation with five leading business and strategic partners for Tourism 2021 recovery plan with the launching of the 'One Million Baht Club’, the first privilege package from Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit in Thailand. Vitavas Vibhagool, chief executive officer of property development in Grande Asset Hotels and Property said: “Today’s initiative heralds the cooperation of leading companies and organizations aiming to boost and revitalize the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for its recovery in 2021. After a period of closing down in early 2020, Thailand has performed very well to control and eliminate the Covid-19 epidemic. Hotels under Grande Asset Hotels and Property, including Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, have been upgraded and all adhere to the strictest and highest standards of hygiene safety for domestic travelers and are prepared to welcome back international tourists.” Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for marketing communications of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has outlined a range of measures being taken by TAT to stimulate and promote domestic tourism to help the industry recover. “TAT focuses on promoting domestic tourism for Thai and expats residing in Thailand and also foreign tourists by developing the confidence of tourists through the implementation of the Hygiene Safety Standards Project and the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) to raise the level of public health standards for Thai tourism products and services. Also, we established the marketing communication direction under the concept of Amazing Thailand Trusted Destination to reflect the preparation of all sectors in the tourism industry such as airports, airlines, public transport systems, hotels, restaurants, etc.” Sammy Carolus, general manager of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel, said: “To attract locals, expats and upcoming visitors, we have joined with our leading business partners to launch One Million Baht Club the first privilege package from Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit in Thailand. It is the signature unlimited stay privilege package from Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. This is a wonderful value-for-money opportunity for our frequent guests who are seeking a semi-permanent stay in the city centre of Bangkok with a one-time fee, which includes various benefits from our leading business partners.”
Thailand Billionaire Keen to Restart Tourism
🟩🟨🟥 Thailand Billionaire Keen to Restart Tourism 14 MAY 2020 BANGKOK: Billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont, chairman of Charoen Pokphand, is urging the government to relax lockdown measures and welcome foreign travellers as soon as possible, and turn the country into a "safe haven" for wealthy visitors. 💠Mr Dhanin, who is the chairman of the kingdom's largest food and agriculture conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, said the move would help revive the tourism sector. "Thailand's economic losses from the lockdown are estimated to be at 16 billion baht per day or almost 500 billion per month, a longer lockdown will cost us more and more,” he said. 💠Thailand has been under lockdown since 09 March - 14 May 2020 (65days) after the government acted to stem an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases. The government said the coronavirus infection rate is now about 1 per cent. 💠The economic impact of the lockdown is apparent as millions of workers applied for unemployment benefits. The tourism sector is also hit hard after the kingdom stopped taking in foreign visitors. 💠The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) did not report any new infections on Wednesday, the first time in 65 days since the lockdown began. The kingdom has recorded 3,017 cases. "We can't wait until a vaccine is developed and produced in sufficient quantity to roll out to the entire population," Mr Dhanin said according to a recent interview in the Bangkok Post. Adding, "The economy won't survive that long." 💠He said the tourism sector accounted for 16-17% percent of GDP and should be revived due to improvements in the virus situation. 💠Mr Dhanin proposed the government attract high-spending tourists from across the world by highlighting Thailand's success in containing the spread of Covid-19. "The number of infection and death cases in Thailand is very low compared with other countries, even though our lockdown began later," he said. "There were also a large number of Chinese tourists in the country." 💠This reflects the fact that our doctors and hospitals are the best and we need to tell the world about it. 💠Mr Dhanin topped Forbes magazine's "Thailand's 50 Richest" this year. He is among 20 moguls in the kingdom whom Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asked to develop relief projects to help people affected by the outbreak. 💠He said the government should take advantage of Thailand's low Covid-19 figures and turn the kingdom into a "safe haven" for wealthy individuals from around the world. "We have five-star hotels and resorts; we also have five-star hospitals and the best doctors," Mr Dhanin said. "If we can make rich people feel confident that staying in Thailand is safer than their own countries then they will come." He said now is the time for Thailand to shift its tourism image from "quantity to quality". "If we begin today, we can become a leader in this market," Mr Dhanin said. "Thailand is already well-known for its hospitality, warmth, and friendliness." "Impressed tourists will become repeaters," he added. "One million wealthy tourists will equal five million normal tourists." 💠Mr Dhanin said he believes the tourism industry will bounce back quickly in the aftermath of Covid-19 during the 'new normal'. "Many people may never go back into the office because they've learnt they can work [remotely] now," he said. "They may work from the beach, mountain or even overseas. It doesn't matter as long as they can do their job." 💠Mr Dhanin said CP has realised this new trend and will implement work-from-home policies among its employees in the aftermath of the virus. "I think office buildings will be smaller in future," he said. "There's no need to build large buildings any more." "The large buildings we have now may be turned into condominiums or hotels instead," Mr Dhanin added. 💠When asked what the government should do to help small and medium enterprises to stay afloat during the pandemic, the tycoon said it should issue 30-year bonds to raise money and offer soft loans to them. "I think three trillion baht would be enough to prevent mass unemployment," Mr Dhanin said. "Many businesses are struggling to survive because they don't have the liquidity they need to operate," he added. "The government needs to step in to ensure they can at least keep employing staff." Mr Dhanin said this can be done because the country's public debt is at 42% of GDP. 💠He said he has written to Gen Prayut in response to the prime minister's request for help. CP will spend over 700 million baht to fund projects to help vulnerable people.
Thailand welcomes 38.26 millionth tourist
Thailand welcomed its 38.26 millionth tourist to the kingdom, a record high for the country that surpasses last year’s 38.17 million arrivals. Travelling from Mumbai in India, Devanshi Deepak Kesaria along with three friends arrived on Spice Jet flight at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to a pleasant surprise. The group was traveling to Thailand for the first time, with plans to enjoy travel experiences in Bangkok and Pattaya. After clearing immigration, she was invited to a welcome ceremony and was greeted by senior officials from Thailand’s tourism industry, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Suvarnabhumi Airport, Immigration Bureau and Thai Airways International. Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for marketing communications at TAT said: “Thailand remains the preferred destination among world travellers and has once again achieved a new record high number of arrivals this year with already 38.26 million arrivals as of 20 December. But good news is still to come. We are expected to welcome the 39 millionth tourist on 27 December.” A ‘Luckiest Visitor’ jacket was presented to Kesariya in addition to a certificate commemorating the occasion, round-trip economy air tickets for two between her original destination and Thailand valid for one year, and a five-night accommodation voucher. She also received gifts and souvenirs from representatives from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Thai Tourist Police and Immigration Bureau. She was then whisked away to their hotel in Bangkok in an exclusive airport limousine provided by Thai Airways. TAT and the public and private sector partners had initiated the ‘Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor, The Amazing Smashing Success’ project in June 2015, starting with welcoming the 13 millionth tourist. The project has since been carried on every year.
CNY 2019: 330,000 Chinese visitors to Thailand to spend USD 314 million
Chinese New Year 2018, Yarowat Road in Bangkok The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed up to 330,000 Chinese visitors could be making their way to Thailand to celebrate the Chinese New Year celebration, with a projected spend of more than USD 314 million (THB 10 billion), during the week-long bash. Beginning on 1 February CNY will get underway with an opening ceremony hosted by HRH Princess Sirindhorn on Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road, in the city’s lively China Town. The party has added significance this year as it is also the 44th anniversary (a lucky number in Chinese numerology) of diplomatic relations between the two countries. TAT governor,Yuthasak Supasorn, also believes the 2019 CNY is extra special as it comes following the milestone of 10 million Chinese tourists arriving in the Kingdom for the first time in 2018. "30% of the overall total of 1.03 million" “Happy New Year to all Chinese celebrating the auspicious Year of the Pig. This year’s event holds added significance, as it marks the anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand at a time when Chinese inbound arrivals continue to be the engine that drives Thai tourism." After his opening remarks Supasorn, got into the numbers: "TAT expects to welcome over 330,000 Chinese tourists during the seven-day period (4 to 10 February). They represent more than 30% of the overall total of 1.03 million international arrivals that are expected to visit Thailand over the Chinese New Year.” TAT governor, Yuthasak Supasorn with Chang Yumeng, counselor of cultural affairs for the Chinese Embassy , Thailand (back row, centre) CNY events are planned in Bangkok at Siam Square, 4-6 February and Yaowarat Road on 5 February; Chiang Mai at the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre, 5 - 6 February and Phuket at Central Phuket Floresta, 5 - 6 February. All three locations will feature cultural performances from China and Thailand. There will be demonstrations of various Chinese art forms including paper cutting (Jianzhi) and calligraphy, a fair selling goods and auspicious food, plus other activities and additional performances from well-known artists and pop stars.
3rd Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2024
#HTC2024 is a pivotal event in Thailand's hospitality industry, is scheduled for May 15-16 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok.
Marriott Bonvoy Inaugural Southern Thailand Charity Golf Day
Marriott Bonvoy invites you to join the Inaugural Southern Thailand Charity Golf Day this October.
July – Exotic Hospitality Conclave 2019, Phuket
The Exotic Hospitality Conclave will bring together the leading stakeholders from the hospitality industry representing the leading operators, developers and investors who will gather for a day at the most compact, comprehensive and all-encompassing summit to deliberate on the hotels of the future and also meet world class suppliers from all aspects of a hotel operation to meet their current and future project requirements.
March: Resorts & Attractions Asia (RAA)
Asia has exceeded North America to become the world’s largest theme park market in attendance, and the region is expected