Some 14 million foreign tourists to visit Thailand in 2010

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects some 14 million foreign tourists to visit the country in 2010.

The tourism arm of the government said such huge number of tourists would arrive in Thailand due to the improving economy of the world that will generate 959 billion baht income for the country.

The TAT said from the 530 billion baht projected income  would come from foreign tourists, with domestic tourism contributing 429 billion through 90 million trips up from 388 billion and 87 million trips last year.

Santichai Euachongprasit, TAT deputy-governor for international marketing said AT now expects Thai tourism to recover in the fourth quarter and to return to normal in 2010.

Santichai said the recovery in the fourth quarter might help 2009 foreign arrivals to exceed 13 million.

However, he revealed the government just cut this year’s arrival target to 12 million last month.
He said TAT programmes to promote Thailand in target countries would include ad campaigns in international media such as CNN in the next few months.

He added the government expects the campaign to bear fruit late this year.
Moreover, Santichai said TAT has set a 1.2-billion-baht budget for international marketing.

Santichai said Thai tourism has faced many problems including the global downturn, H1N1 flu and local political unrest, but the situation will get better next year when major countries recover.

Meanwhile, Anake Srishevachart, president of the Thai-Japanese Tourist Association, revealed optimism about the target of 14 million foreign visitors next year.

Anake projected that Chinese visitors will head next year’s tourists, with between 1.1-1.2 million arrivals, up from 700,000 to 800,000 this year.
He explained the road show to China by Prime Minister Abhisit will help this market recover in the fourth quarter.
He added China lifted its travel warning on Thailand after the prime minister’s visit.

The tourist association president said Japanese visitors are set to rank second with one million arrivals in 2010, up from 850,000 this year.

The president revealed a proactive promotion campaign for Japan needs to be conducted as soon as possible in order to push the market to recover in the coming high season.