Thailand is expecting over 4 million foreign tourists, a 10.4% increase from last year, during the Chinese New Year festival, the Transport Ministry forecasts. Foreign arrivals are expected to top at around 4 million in the week from January 24 to February 2, said Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. This includes around 770,000 tourists from China – a 22.6 increase compared to last year.
Suriya adds the importance of quality service and safety for tourists; that more airport staff will be added especially during the Lunar New Year festivities.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) CEO Keerati Kitmanawat said that all 6 international airports in the country will “ensure passenger comfort, speed and safety, using technology to reduce waiting times over the holiday period.” The AOT projects a 10.4% increase in air traffic at the six airports over the same period, roughly 4.03 million passengers, or around 403,182 passengers daily.
In another The Nation article, Bangkok remains to be the most popular destination among Malaysian tourists as they rank the top tourists coming to Thailand, followed by Chinese and South Korean visitors, based on an Agoda research study.
Coming in second and third place as Thailand destinations for the Chinese New Year festivities are Pattaya in Chonburi province and Chiang Mai province, gathering 38% and 55% increase respectively.
Khon Kaen rises as a new travel destination among Thai locals; a rise of 2,964% year-over-year increase in accommodation searches.
Based on accommodation results, Tokyo still ranks as the most popular destination for Thais planning to travel overseas during the Chinese New Year holidays, with a 66% increase year-over-year. However, Hong Kong did not make the list among Thai tourist destinations, showing a change in “traveller interest and demand”.
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