Bangkok, 15 December 2017 – The Thai tourism industry hit a new record with the arrival of the 33 millionth visitor, and still counting. It is now well on its way to exceed the projected targets of 34 million arrivals and 1.81 trillion baht (US$ 50 billion) in tourism revenue earnings in the full year.
Julie Nathalie A. Ceyssens, the 33 millionth tourist, also dubbed ‘Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor’, was greeted at Suvarnabhumi Airport with a warm welcoming ceremony by senior executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and other private sector industry representatives.
Ceyssens arrived in Bangkok 15 December at 05.55 hrs. with Thai Airways International’s Flight TG935 from Brussels, Belgium. This is the first time that she has visited Thailand, and will be spending 15 days with her boyfriend enjoying Thai local experiences in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Chang.
She received two economy-class return tickets from her original destination to Thailand, a voucher for a five-night stay at accommodation in Thailand as well as the “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” certificate from TAT.
The “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” activity was launched in June 2015 to recognize and reward the visitors who break arrival number records. With strong support from the public and private sectors, the campaign has attracted considerable international attention and enhanced the value of the Thai tourism brand image.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “We are thankful to Ceyssens for making Thailand her preferred destination. It is thanks to her friendship and support, and to millions of other visitors, that the Thai tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength. I would also like to acknowledge and applaud the dedication and commitment of the Royal Thai Government, the private sector and, most important, all those who work in this great industry.
“This has been an exceptionally good year for us. We are very pleased to see continuing interest from airlines to launch new routes to various points in Thailand, entrepreneurs starting new tourism businesses, and young people continuing to find job opportunities. All this is happening alongside efforts to ensure sustainability and preservation of the socio-cultural and environmental product.”
