Tourism Industry

With over 320 billion baht (US$ 7.5 billion) in tourism revenue last year representing about 6% of Thailand's GDP, the tourism industry has an important role at generating income and growth to the country. Nearly 10.8 million tourists visited Thailand in 2002 staying long for about 8 days on average in one of the world's most favorite tourist destination. The Thai tourism industry performed well despite the prospect of the war in Iraq, with nearly 3 million foreign tourist arrivals during the last quarter of 2002 and over two millions in January and February 2003. The regional outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that shortly followed the Iraq war by the end of the high season in late March, however, had significant impact on the industry. The average number of foreign tourist arrivals fell by 12.5% in March and then by more than 40% in the second quarter compared with the previous year. Thailand is SAR-free however. So since SARS cases in the affected countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong Taiwan and China have declined and the confidence in the region started to grow, tourism in Thailand is expected to pick up fast during the high-season towards the end of the year and experience a complete revival in 2004.

2002                2003     JAN FEB MAR Tourist Arrivals (Persons) 10,799,067 990,119 1,004,891 854,541   East Asia 6,236,246 506,441 574,799 467,459   Europe 2,650,992 315,271 287,601 245,809   The Americas 730,402 77,913 66,883 60,654   South Asia 410,206 33,501 30,437 32,761   Oceania 427,109 34,080 25,782 27,837   Middle East 245,822 16,498 13,534 12,988   Africa 98,290 6,415 5,855 7,033 Revenue (Baht: Million) 323,484 29,735e 30,179e 25,664e

Thailand tourism also benefits from a concerted effort by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) which, in addition to servicing visitors on their travel concerns, also conducts marketing campaigns in conjunction with the private sectors such as the Association of Thai Travel Agent (ATTA), Association of Domestic Travel, Thai Hotels Association, Thai Travel Agents Association, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and airlines. Recent campaigns include the Meeting, Convention and Exhibition Incentive program MICE, Long stay tourism program, 'Be My Guest' Thailand Grand Festivals, 'Thailand Smile Plus' discounted tour packages, 'Unseen in Thailand' new tourist destinations and roadshows in various countries. The Office of Tourism Development of the recently established Ministry of Tourism and Sports has a role of planning and developing tourism products and infrastructure to support the growth of the industry.

" There is never a dull day in Thailand. Whether it is the Songkran Festival or the first cool breeze of the winter season, there is always something to make you smile, laugh, cry or get excited about. Thailand is a land of magic and mystery attracting the Western world in seek of advantage and romance. Blessed with a huge allocation of beautiful natural resources and extraordinary culture, it is no wonder that Thais are such fun-loving people. Quite simply, where else can you find pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, an assortment of activities and a choice of modern or primitive accommodations all in one compact package? " Tourism Authority of Thailand: Destinations Guide