TCT highly optimistic

TCT highly optimistic

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is upbeat about international tourist arrivals, forecasting the number will reach 26.08 million by the end of this year, outpacing the 24.5 million projected by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

TCT president Piyaman Techapaiboon attributed the positive forecast to the country's political stability.

Revenue was estimated at 1.18 trillion baht against 1.14 trillion baht projected by the TAT.

Chinese tourist arrivals will be the main driver, with the number expected to reach 4 million this year, a surge from 2.7 million last year. Mainland tourists were also regarded as one of the biggest spenders, with shopping accounting for 30% of their total expenditure.

The number of arrivals from Europe is expected to grow, despite the European market being affected by an economic slowdown.

European tourists favour Thailand due to its value for money.

"There is no big negative factor for Thailand's tourism in the first half of this year," Ms Piyaman said.

"But we have to closely monitor the foreign exchange movement, particularly for the Australian dollar, euro and pound sterling, as these currencies may affect tourism."

She said the TCT is concerned about the long-term growth of tourism as several development projects which can impact tourism have yet to be clarified, particularly the government's 2-trillion-baht infrastructure projects.

"We want to know the details of such projects. How will they benefit tourism? We hope the government will sincerely pay attention to tourism because it accounts for 10% of GDP. Tourism is expected to be the rising star of the economy this year while exports are expected to fall," she said.

The council also urged the government to strike a balance between revenue from foreign and domestic tourism, saying at present the country relies too heavily on international markets.

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