The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has lowered its estimate for tourism revenue growth in 2019 from 10% to 9.5% due to global slowdown, strong baht and rising fuel prices.

Visitors at a temple in Bangkok (Photo: VNA)

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that tourism revenue is anticipated to fall from previously forecast 3.4 trillion baht (111.24 billion USD) to 3.38 trillion baht, with earning from foreign visitors at 2.21 trillion baht.

The number of international travelers this year is estimated at 40.2 million, far short of the number of between 41.1 million and 41.3 million visitors the authority confidently targeted early the year.

Yuthasak pointed out several negative conditions surrounding Thai tourism were expected to ease next year. At the same time, the TAT’s marketing plans are expected to increase the number of visitors to the Southeast Asian country.

The TAT targets 3.72 trillion baht in tourism revenue in 2020, a year-on-year surge of 10%. 

Yuthasak said the target was a considerable challenge, but it could be achievable. The TAT would place a higher focus on market segmentation, and niche marketing, especially lifestyle and health-concerns tourists.

Expanding cooperation with foreign travel agents will be promoted to broaden market and facilitate foreign visitors making arrangements abroad, he added.

There will be about 42 million foreign arrivals to Thailand in 2020, contributing about 2.43 trillion baht, or 65% of the total receipts, while domestic travel will make up the balance, 1.28 trillion baht, he said.

(Source: VNA)