BANGKOK, 27 March 2012 – The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has disclosed that the number of foreign visitors to Thailand has increased by 8% during the first three months of 2012.
Tourism Department Director-General Supon Sripan said that the total count of foreign tourists, entering the country through immigration checkpoints nationwide during 1 January to 26 March, has seen a 7-8% growth in comparison with the previous year. Consequently, the tourist count for the whole year is estimated to rise by around 8%.
Meanwhile, President of the Thailand-Japan Tourism Promotion Association Anek Sricheevachat commented that Japanese tourists have a tendency to continuously flow into Thailand throughout 2012. Out of the anticipated Japanese visitors, 30-40% will be Free Independent Travelers (FIT).
Mr. Anek added that tourists belonging to the incentive group are still concerned about the political unrest in Thailand and many have decided to postpone their trips. However, it is expected that towards the end of the year, a large incentive group consisting of around 100 people will be traveling to the kingdom. Their visit is believed to be beneficial to the country as it will help restore confidence among other travelers planning to visit Thailand.
