Long Songkran delivers B140bn tourism boost
The three weeks of this year’s Songkran festival generated about B140 billion in tourism income, with 1.9 million foreign tourists visiting the country during the celebration, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
The 21-day long festival from April 1-21 generated B140.335bn in revenue, above the projected figure of B132bn, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol said on Apr 24, citing figures also travelled and celebrated compiled by the ministry’s Songkran. economics tourism and sports During the 21 days, a total division. of 1,926,443 foreign tourists
The accommodation secvisited the country, an increase tor benefited from B42.06bn, of 37.54% on the same period food and beverage B33.06bn, last year, the minister said. merchandise and souvenirs Ms Sudawan attributed the B26.83bn, travel B15.50bn, increase in foreign arrivals to entertainment B14.75bn, tourthe government’s measures ism services B5.86bn and to make travel easier, such as other outlays B2.23bn, Ms visa waivers and the cancelSudawan said. lation of TM6 immigration
The atmosphere during the forms, and the holding of festival was lively with activimajor activities to celebrate ties held across the country the festival. enjoyed by foreign tourists The surge in foreign travellers and the many Thais whond came from both nearby and distant markets, the tourism minister said.
The 10 countries providing the most tourists were: China 395,830 (+89.16% from last year); Malaysia 298,263 (+41.62%); India 114,330 (+27.53%); Russia 104,538 (+19.61%); South Korea 84,539 (+36.02%); Laos 66,396 (+43.59%); United Kingdom 60,495 (+11.31%); Taiwan 60,153 (+58.74%); United States 56,068 (+10.43%); and Indonesia 55,969 (+64.52%).
Ms Sudawan said a total of 13,897,988 Thais travelled, generating B50.12bn. From
April 12-16 alone, the major period of the festival, 461,509 foreign tourists visited the country, generating B21.54bn, while 4,337,848 Thai tourists generated B16.48bn ‒ about B38bn in total.
“The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, held at Sanam Luang, was a grand success, drawing huge crowds of people. This event featured the stunning background of the majestic Grand Palace and was showcased globally. This was a magnet for foreign tourists,” the tourism minister said.