Thailand Targets Record 400,000 Visitors From Middle East
Photo Credit: Thailand aims to attract 400,000 visitors from the Middle East this year. sbaechler on Visual Hunt / sbaechler
Skift Take
Thailand is experiencing a shortfall in its anticipated number of Chinese tourists, potentially impacting its tourism target for 2023. The country is now exploring alternative markets like Middle Eastern tourists, who can significantly contribute to its tourism revenue despite not matching the Chinese numbers.
Middle East Travel Roundup
Get the latest news from the Middle East in one easy-to-digest newsletter.The Tourism Authority of Thailand is actively focusing on the Middle East as a crucial source market for tourism, aiming to attract 400,000 visitors from the region this year. Saudi Arabia is expected to lead the way with a projected 150,000 visitors, driven by the restoration of direct flights and enhanced diplomatic relations with Thailand.
This marks a significant shift as Saudi Arabia surpasses United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the largest market. In the first half of 2023, Thailand welcomed over 268,000 visitors from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia accounting for more than 75,000 arrivals. The Middle East market is projected to grow further during the summer holidays, with an average stay of 10-12 days and an average spending of 80,000 baht per trip.
Flight resumption between Thailand and the Middle East has recovered to 80%, said Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.
