The number of international arrivals to Thailand during the first three months of 2019 constituted a 1.76% increase on the same period last year, rising from 10.6 million to 10.7 million. Revenue was up 0.38%, from 571.6 billion to 574 billion baht.
The highest growth was in the South Asia market (20.73%). However, some markets showed a decline in tourist arrivals, including China, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the total number of Chinese visitors, still the largest group of international arrivals, dropped 1.72% from 3,174,524 during the first quarter of last year to 3,119,825 this year. Revenue from this group decreased by 1.82% from 175.7 billion to 172.5 billion baht.
Travellers from Europe were down 2.34% from 2,498,369 to 2,439,791, with revenue down 4.5% from 181 billion to 174 billion baht. However, while the European market showed negative growth, there were increased numbers of visitors from France (+2.54%), the Netherlands (+3.91%) and Eastern Europe (+5.47%).
The Oceania market, including Australia and New Zealand, declined 5.63% from 213,354 visitors to 201,341. Revenue were down 5.89% from 16.8 million to 15.8 million baht.
As for the Middle East market, visitor numbers declined 14.6% from 186,609 visitors to 159,366 and revenue was down 11.4% from 14.6 million to 12.9 million baht.
Reasons for the decline vary from air pollution to concerns over tourist safety, as well as currency fluctuation and economic slowdown, both in Thailand and elsewhere.
The growth in the South Asia market was led by travellers from Sri Lanka (25.9%), followed by India (24.98%) and Nepal (15.1%). The total number of travellers increased from 454,290 to 548,480 during the first three months of 2019. Their total spending was up 22.55%, from 19.5 million to 23.9 million baht.
For East Asia, including Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Korea, the market showed 2.43% growth from 6.7 million to 6.9 million visitors. Total revenue increased by 2.43% from 300 billion to 307.7 billion baht.
The top three growth markets in this region were the Philippines (18.26%), Taiwan (17.35%) and Brunei (15.54%).
The Americas also showed a slight growth of 0.59% from 469,818 visitors to 472,587 and an increase in revenue of 1.7%, 36 billion baht to 36.6 billion baht. The market's small growth was due in large part to the massive decline in tourist numbers from Argentina (-50.94%) and Brazil (-2.9%).
The last group was visitors from Africa, which increased 1.37% from 40,699 visitors to 41,255, with revenue up 1.43% from 2.71 million baht to 2.75 million baht.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Bangkok Airways has launched its "Surf On Board" campaign, waiving the service fee for passengers who bring surfboards, in addition to the general baggage allowance.
Surfboards must be packed in containers or wrapped properly before being checked in. Advanced booking for space is required. The service is available on all flights except those operated by ATR aircraft. The airline also offers "Protective Wing" travel insurance for passengers.
The "Surf On Board" campaign will end on Dec 31 this year.
Visit http://bangkokair.com.
- Thai AirAsia will launch direct flights from Bangkok to Sihanoukville in Cambodia, starting July 1.
The service will be available four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Don Mueang International Airport at 2.25pm and returning Sihanouk International Airport at 4.25pm. The travel time is one hour and 20 minutes.
At present, the airline has flights from Bangkok and Phuket to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Visit http://airasia.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort and Spa in Phetchaburi has launched its Siam Adventure Club package.
The offer is designed for families with up to two children and for a minimum stay of three nights. The package features a Thai set dinner for the family; Siam Adventure Club activities including a foam party, games room and all kids club activities; and daily breakfast and one-time family cocktails and tapas snacks.
Visit http://novotelhuahin.com.
- InterContinental Pattaya Resort is offering a Family Getaway package.
It is designed for families with one child under 12 years old. The offer includes a stay of at least two nights, with daily buffet breakfast, free dinner for the child, a complimentary extra bed for Classic Garden or Classic Ocean view room types, late checkout until 4pm, kid activities at Planet Trekkers (a tailored service for families) and tickets to a KAAN Show. (Please note, children under the age of three are not allowed in the theatre.)
Visit http://pattaya.intercontinental.com.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
