19 million foreign tourists travelled to Thailand in 2011, up 19% year-on-year
BANGKOK, Jan 11 – Thailand recorded 19 million tourist arrivals in 2011, an increase of 19.84 per cent year-on-year, said Department of Tourism Director-General Supol Sripan.
Increased tourism around the world contributed to the recovery of the global economy and the popularity of tourist attractions in Thailand continued to make an impact on arrivals in Thailand.
Mature markets in eastern Asia and Europe rose 26.56 per cent and 11.40 per cent respectively. In May 2011, tourist numbers grew by as much as 70.26 per cent but in November, tourist numbers dropped by 17.92 per cent before improving in December.
The country realised income of Bt734.59 billion, an increase of 23.92 per cent, compared to last year.
Tourism is likely to grow constantly in 2012 if the domestic political situation is in order. The number of tourists is expected around 20.5-20.8 million.
